Health Notes: Pandemic forum being sponsored by Health District
The first of three community forums concerning pandemic influenza is scheduled for tonight, when local health officials will answer questions and provide guidance about the region’s emergency preparedness plan.
The meeting begins at 6:30 at West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt St., Spokane.
Officials are expected to stress the need for individuals and families to be prepared to be self-sufficient for up to two weeks during an emergency.
“Although bird flu and an influenza pandemic are current concerns, every action that people take to become prepared will help them deal with any emergency,” said Dr. Kim Thorburn, health officer for the Spokane Regional Health District, which is sponsoring the forums.
Everyone who attends a session will receive a free “Stop Germs” kit and will be entered to win a family preparedness kit. The health district, along with health jurisdictions around the state, are required to educate the community about the possibility of an influenza pandemic and the need to prepare.
Additional forums are planned for August. A session is set for Aug. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point, 2426 N. Discovery Place in Spokane Valley. The final session will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 15, at the East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone St. in Spokane.
Support programs need volunteers
Volunteers are needed to ensure the success of two new programs aimed at providing support for cancer patients in Spokane.
The American Cancer Society has started local chapters of Road to Recovery and the Cancer Resource Network, two programs that have provided help to patients nationwide.
The Road to Recovery program needs volunteers willing to transport cancer patients to and from treatment. Many kinds of cancer treatments leave patients unable to drive, and many patients find it difficult to arrange the schedules of family and friends to accommodate appointments.
The Cancer Resource Network needs volunteers to staff the agency located in the Deaconess Education Building. Volunteers assist cancer patients by providing informational pamphlets, Internet access to the American Cancer Society’s Web site or help with the agency’s toll-free telephone number. They also help patients select wigs, hats and scarves as needed. Volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
For more information, contact Bonnie Abernaty at Bonnie.Abernathy@cancer.org or at (509) 242-8292.