Pandemic Outbreak Planning

The collaboration of Faith-Based and Community Organizations with public health agencies will be essential in protecting the public’s health and safety if and when an influenza pandemic occurs. CDC developed a checklist that provides guidance for religious organizations (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.), social service agencies that are faith-based, and community organizations in developing and improving influenza pandemic response and preparedness plans.

The new checklist identifies specific steps faith-based and community organizations can take now to prepare for a pandemic. The checklist includes these suggested actions:

• Plan for the impact of a pandemic on your organization and its mission 
• Communicate with and educate your staff, members, and persons in the communities that you serve 
• Set up policies to follow during a pandemic, including evaluating activities and religious practices, if applicable, to identify those that may facilitate virus spread from person to person 
• Coordinate with external organizations and help your community 

For more information, visit: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/faithbasedCommunityChecklist.pdf
or you can download the file by clicking this link.

Where to find out more . . .

CDC's Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348.

Additional resources:

Red Cross - Preparing for Events--Pandemic Flu
Red Cross - Seasonal Flu Checklist
Red Cross - Preparing for a Swine Flu (H1N1) Pandemic: Coping and Emotional Well-being

Preparing for Pandemic Flu - A Minneapolis Congregation's First Steps

Congregational Planning for Flu Pandemic - Published by The Lutheran Church