Citizens Gain Pandemic Influenza Training through The GW Center for Preparedness and Resilience

PR Log (Press Release) – Sep 27, 2009 – The GWU Center for Preparedness and Resilience is participating in the American Medical Association’s CitizenReady™ pilot training program and recently delivered the pandemic influenza awareness course to 44 participants at two brown bag lunch series lectures at the GWU Virginia Campus. On September 22 & 23, the program was delivered to GWU staff and faculty to empower them with knowledge and information on how citizens can prepare for the ongoing influenza pandemic.

This course is continuing to be delivered at no cost to the public, and is being offered on October 13 & 14 at the GWU Virginia Campus, Academic Building I from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. See schedule for further information on additional offerings of this free training opportunity. The course covers important topics such as the difference between seasonal and pandemic influenza, the role of the public health system and local public health guidance, and the actions that individuals and communities can take to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.

The CitizenReady™ program is being piloted by the American Medical Association in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Disaster Life Support Foundation. CitizenReady is designed to foster community resilience for disasters and public health emergencies through health education.The pilot consists of a simple 1.5-hour course that will empower participants to develop a “citizen responder” state of mind and to react appropriately during a pandemic situation.  All questions can be sent via e-mail to FluReady@gwumc.edu or call (703) 726-3700.