WHAT IS WALSH DOING TO PREPARE?

Local, state, national and international governmental entities have begun preparations to address this potential pandemic.  These preparations include the following:  developing and distributing antiviral agents; destroying birds that might be infected; developing quarantine and isolation plans and calling for the military to enforce such measures.  Although there has not been any sustained human-to-human transmission of H5N1 and there is not an active pandemic, the time is right for all of us to prepare for the possibility.

Walsh University implemented a Pandemic Flu Task Force - chaired by Ellen Kutz, Director of Student Support Services - in December, 2005.  Committee members represent the departments of Student Affairs, Student Support Services, Health Services, Human Resources, Maintenance/Custodial Services, Campus Police, Residence Life and a Faculty representative who reports on the progress of the Faculty members coordinating the Academic Affairs response.  The Pandemic Flu Task Force continues to meet regularly to develop education materials, propose campus protocols and ensure we are prepared to lessen the consequences for our entire Walsh community in the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak. 

Questions should be addressed to Ellen Kutz, Director of Student Support Services at ekutz@walsh.edu or by phone at 330-490-7302.