H1N1 Crisis: Flu Guide for Ministries
The first doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine are being delivered this week as the virus spreads like wildfire across America and around the world. Seven million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine will arrive across America this week, with forty million more doses scheduled to be distributed in the next couple of weeks.
Health care workers will be innoculated first, since it is important they stay healthy in order to help everyone else receive the vaccine.
And it is important that leaders of organizations such as schools, churches, and outreach ministries stay informed in the midst of this health emergency.
To keep ministry leaders informed, Christian Emergency Network (CEN) has announced a new Flu Guide for ministries and faith-based groups. Developed by the Health and Human Services (HHS) Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships with the support of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), this guide is downloadable at http://www.flu.gov/professional/community/cfboguidance.html. The guide, H1N1 Flu Guide for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, will be updated as needed, both the online and in print versions.
CEN Chapters are in place to help present this information and other training to local Churches, preparing them to successfully minister in times of crisis.
CEN Chapters Respond
CEN Chapters continue to develop in local communities nationwide to inform and train churches in preparedness and response to handle H1N1 and other types of crisis situations. The Church is often the best source of tangible help and information, working alongside public health and emergency response organizations. CEN Chapters are available to connect churches and ministries with local emergency and health groups within the local and regional community, while also training ministries in how to provide a biblical response in times of crisis.
Steps to Take
The new flu guide is specifically targeted at faith-based and neighborhood groups who are trusted by their local communities, and can therefore help convey important information in a timely manner and even provide vaccine sites and other services in preparation and response to H1N1. Proper steps are included in this guide for:
- Finding local H1N1 vaccine depositories;
- Learning high-risk groups for the virus;
- Helping local medical personnel;
- Dismissing school;
- Quarantining school-aged children; and more.
Urgent application steps include:
- Staying home if sick;
- Being prepared with food in the likely case you'll be quarantined at home for a few days;
- Getting your daycare and schools to have plans for things like making homework avaible to the homebound; and
- Avoiding group settings when the virus is spreading fast in your area.
Christian Leaders -- Be Aware and Ready
CEN is encouraging local Christian leaders to become familiar with this guide and to implement applicable details, if possible with a local CEN Chapter. Pray about how Jesus would have you prepare and respond. Is there an H1N1 infected family close by to whom you can offer meals? Can you help get your church's high-risk groups vaccinated?
Download the H1N1 Flu Guide for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
You can register your own interest in being part of the leadership of a Chapter in your local area and CEN will follow up with more information.
For Christian Emergency Network chapter information,contact CEN at their web site.
Learn about CBN's humanitarian outreach, Operation Blessing.
More from ChurchWatch
More from CBN News
More from CBN's Christian World News
More Church and Ministry on Spiritual Life
More from Spiritual Life
More from Craig von Buseck on CBN.com