Western Maine Medical Reserve Corps

Oxford County MRC Participates in Drill

2009-09-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

MRC members Vernon_John Gibbins, Audrey Banks and
Bradley Damm listen carefully as they are briefed prior to the drill

Members of the Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps participated in a drill at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School on September 27th. The drill was a first for Maine, and perhaps the northeast. Local firefighters set up an overflow medical facility known as an Alternate Care Site in the gymnasium. The MRC provided three nurses, four current and former EMTs, and one support volunteer to work along with two retired doctors, a physician assistant, and a nurse. The team provided care to high school patients with simulated injuries. Patients who were sent to the site had mild injuries compared to those who were sent to the hospital, where a staff handled a large number of major simulated injuries.

The MRC was fortunate to have the participation of these members. Despite a roster of 94 people throughout Oxford County, only 10% were available to attend. MRC members are all volunteer, and the timing of this drill comes in the middle of the vaccination program. Some members have been working to assist SAD #44 and RSU #10 with administering the seasonal flu vaccine to school children. That, along with their jobs and other obligations limited the availability of a larger number of participants. The MRC is working to recruit more volunteers. If you would like to be involved in assisting health care and public health systems, please contact us by email at info@ocfordcountymrc.org or visit www.oxfordcountymrc.org.

SECRETARY NAPOLITANO AND ADMINISTRATOR FUGATE MARK THE BEGINNING OF NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

2009-09-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today marked the beginning of the sixth annual National Preparedness Month—focusing on becoming better prepared for and more resilient in the face of emergencies of all kinds.

“National Preparedness Month is about building a culture of personal preparedness and shared responsibility across our country,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This month, we ask all Americans to visit Ready.gov to learn what they can do to help their families, businesses and communities stay safe during an emergency—whether it be hurricanes like Katrina, the fires we are fighting in California or pandemic influenza.”

“Every American is a critical member of our nation’s emergency response team,” said FEMA Administrator Fugate. “By taking a few simple steps now, each of us can make sure we are better prepared for the next emergency or disaster.”

For more information on the Ready Campaign and National Preparedness Month, visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov—or call 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO for more emergency preparedness information.

Volunteer/ Internship Opportunities

2009-08-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Western Maine MRC is looking for individuals to help us expand and develop the program. The ideal candidate would possess skills in recruitment, training, public speaking, fund raining and grant research/writing. Knowledge in the field of public health is not necessary. Depending upon the skills and time a person has to offer, we can divide the duties among a number of candidates. However, as an internship, it would best be handled by one person. Persons without experience can use this opportunity to gain the experience. Come develop your skills with us.

This is a great resume builder that involves the growing field of public health and the pride of being involved with homeland security/emergency preparedness efforts.

We have opportunities in the Rumford and Norway areas. This is an unpaid - volunteer opportunity but we would be able to reimburse for limited travel. The successful candidate(s) would report to the regional coordinators under the supervision of the Unit Coordinator.

Estimated Volunteer Hours: 2-10 per week depending on availability
Estimated Internship Hours: (as required by the internship)

Contact us at info@westernmainemrc.org or call 207 357-1821 and leave a message.

009 National Conference on "Community Preparedness: The Power of Citizen Corps"

2009-08-17T08:03:00.001-07:00

Richard Hatchett, director of medical preparedness policy for the White House National Security Council, delivers keynote remarks on the topic of "H1N1 Preparedness: The Role of Civic Organizations in assisting in Response."

watch

Mass Antibiotic Dispensing: A Primer

2009-08-15T08:27:00.001-07:00

Here is a CDC training opportunityView

Shared via AddThis

Northern Oxford County Training

2009-08-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

The Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps will be having a training this Wednesday August 12th at the Rumford Municipal Building auditorium at 6pm. The first hour will include an introduction to our program and instruction on personal and family preparedness. If you have not completed this training you are encouraged to attend the first hour. The second hour will be a presentation on the challenges experienced by people with special needs, and how citizen volunteers can help in a shelter environment. We are expecting to have additional trainings each month for your convenience. If you have not already completed an application and forwarded copies of any certifications and/or licenses, please do so at your earliest convenience. We hope to see you all on Wednesday. :)

MRC National Office Quarterly Report

2009-07-16T12:49:00.001-07:00

MRC Status and Activity Highlights:

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of local groups of volunteers committed to improving the health, safety and resiliency of their communities. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals, as well as others interested in strengthening the public health infrastructure and improving the preparedness and response capabilities of their local jurisdiction. MRC units identify, screen, train and organize the volunteers, and utilize them to support routine public health activities and augment preparedness and response efforts. The MRC mission is to engage volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response and community resiliency. We are pleased to welcome 24 new MRC units that were registered with the Office of the Surgeon General during this quarter:

Region		Region
1	Burlington Volunteer MRC (MA)	5	Sibley County MRC (MN)
1	Hilltown MRC (MA)	6	OK Region 4 – Okmulgee County (OK)
2	Otsego County MRC (NY)	6	OKMRC Stress Response Team (OK)
3	Pittsylvania – Danville MRC (VA)	6	Starr County MRC (TX)
4	Sumter County Florida MRC (FL)	8	Gunnison County MRC (CO)
4	North Central Mississippi MRC (MS)	8	Pennington County (SD)
5	Switzerland County MRC (IN)	9	California Veterinary MRC (CA)
5	Washtenaw County MRC (MI)	9	Contra Costa County MRC (CA)
5	Faribault County MRC (MN)	10	South Central Idaho MRC (ID)
5	LLMP MRC (MN)	10	Deschutes Public Health MRC (OR)
5	Martin County MRC (MN)	10	Nehalem Bay MRC (OR)
5	McLeod County MRC (MN)	10	Pacific County MRC (WA)

During this period, 4 MRC units were de-registered. At the end of the reporting period there were 179,190 volunteers enrolled in 823 MRC units in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, and Puerto Rico. (Note: the number of volunteers is collated from the information provided by MRC units as part of their profiles on the MRC website)

The following charts give a quick snapshot of MRC growth, the number and regional distribution of MRC units and volunteers, and the categories of MRC volunteers:

The following charts are pulled from aggregate data (reported by MRC units across the nation as part of their unit profiles) and show some of the “characteristics” of the MRC network:

During this quarter, MRC units reported 1,562 activities as part of their profiles on the MRC website: 188 administrative, 345 preparedness, 238 public health, 255 emergency response and 535 training. Samples of the activities that MRC units have been involved in during this reporting period include:

Public Health

The Chesapeake MRC (Chesapeake, VA) had eight members provide blood pressure screenings and counseling to approximately 150 seniors at the Annual Sheriff's Senior Services. The estimated economic value of the MRC volunteers’ services is $2,500.00
Six members of the Arlington County MRC (Arlington, VA) responded to a measles investigation by assisting with call center operations. MRC volunteers worked alongside public health division staff to respond to community inquiries and help collect responses from those with potential measles exposure.
The Southern Alleghenies EMS Council MRC - Somerset Division (Duncansville, PA) members made 250 H1N1 information bags to hand out during church. The bags included CDC key fact information on H1N1 and a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
The Boone County MRC (Madison, WV) manned a First Aid Booth at the week-long West Virginia Coal Festival.
The Southeast Wisconsin MRC (Waukesha, WI) assisted with Medical Collection Day. MRC volunteers assisted with conducting short surveys regarding the amount of medication being dropped off and how residents would have normally disposed of it. Volunteers also assisted with breaking down medication to be destroyed. MRC volunteer assistance saved the local health department $682.01.
The Clark County MRC (Springfield, OH) has been assisting the health department by distributing and collecting Youth Risk Behavior Surveys in county and city high schools. Based on the data collected from these surveys, the public health department and MRC will partner with the school districts to develop a strategic plan to address issues identified in the survey.
The Muskegon County MRC (Muskegon, MI) is assisting with Gonorrhea and Chlamydia testing at local drop-in centers for those less than 18 years of age. Health education is provided to youth and free STD testing is offered.
The Western Arkansas River Valley MRC (Fort Smith, AR) provided physicals for underprivileged children selected for a scholarship to attend the Salvation Army “Camp Heart O’Hills”.
The Northeast Texas MRC (Tyler, TX) had five volunteers support a local charity walking event by providing water and hand sanitizer to participants.
The Cleveland County MRC (Norman, TX) hosted a booth at the annual Medieval Fair. Volunteers educated citizens on the Bubonic Plague and the impact on the community in terms of modern day preparedness.
The Texas State Guard Medical Brigade (Houston, TX) and Alamo Area MRC (Austin, TX) supported first aid stations at a charity bike race for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This event had over 13,000 participants.
The Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa MRC (Omaha, NE) provided first aid at an annual 2-day charity bike ride from Omaha to Lincoln and back. Based on the Economic Impact of Volunteers Calculator, the volunteer services was valued at approximately $1,755.18.
Jefferson County MRC (Oskaloosa, KS) members provided hand washing and hygiene information to 62 Kindergarten students in a local elementary school.
Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa MRC (Omaha, NE) members partnered with the local health department to provide STD testing at the Red Dress Dinner, an event targeting women's health and wellness.
Doniphan County MRC (Troy, KS) distributed bike helmets to preschool age children and educated them on proper bike helmet wear, in preparation for National Bike Helmet Month.
Members of the Shawnee County MRC (Topeka, KS) participated in a health fair by sharing information about emergency preparedness and promoting the MRC.
Six Douglas County MRC (Lawrence, KS) volunteers provided support to medical staff at an Ironman Triathlon.
The MRC of Boulder County (Boulder, CO) participated in outreach activities during National HIV testing day, sharing information and offering HIV testing to county residents.
Custer County MRC (Westcliffe, CO) manned the phones at their public health office during the H1N1 outbreak. They continued to do this for one week during the most intense period of the outbreak, answering questions from the public and directing them to the Colorado Help Line.
86 members of the Weber-Morgan MRC (Ogden, UT) responded to the H1N1 outbreak. They were able to test their communication system using emails and the CityWatch system.
The Maui County Health Volunteers MRC (Wailuku, HI) provided free blood pressure checks, consultation, and public education on emergency preparedness at the annual county hurricane expo.

Preparedness/Training

The Chesterfield Health District MRC (Chesterfield, VA) teamed up with the local CERT to staff a preparedness information table at an annual health fair that drew 900 seniors.
The Monmouth County Health Department MRC (Freehold, NJ) conducted a drive-thru POD exercise in Middletown, N.J. in which 400 participants passed thru the POD in 1.5 hours.
The Maryland Defense Force MRC (Towson, MD) had 67 members working with National Guard personnel to provide medical and operational support to a full scale disaster drill.
The Montgomery County MRC (Rockville, MD) participated in the Spring MRC Deployment Training acting as victims during the exercise.
Five Minnesota MRC units in and around Saint Paul staffed four hour shifts in which they screened forms filled out by postal carriers and assembled antibiotic kits for use in the event of a deliberate release of anthrax. This national pilot plan utilizes postal carriers to deliver antibiotics to households if needed.
The MRC of Escambia County (Pensacola, FL) participated with the county’s Community Emergency Response Team in the Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) second annual Hurricane Expo event to help families and businesses become better prepared against weather disasters.
The Wisconsin Animal Response Corps (Madison, WI) sponsored a Tri-State Veterinary Disaster Response Conference attended by 100 people. The conference involved two days of training for members of the Wisconsin Animal Response Corps, the Minnesota Veterinary Reserve Corps, and the Iowa Veterinary Rapid Response Team.
The Abraham Lincoln MRC (Springfield, IL) sponsored a regional MRC conference for Central Illinois units. Local MRC units attended Psychological First Aid training that was conducted by Macoupin MRC (Gillespie, IL).
The Henry County MRC (New Castle, IN) participated in its local 800MZ radio drill.
The Oklahoma MRC Nurses (Oklahoma City, OK) and Oklahoma Region 3 - Comanche County MRC (Lawton, OK) presented a day-long MRC Psychological First Aid training to 81 MRC volunteers and community members.
The Acadiana MRC (Lafayette, LA) participated in the quarterly Volunteer Call-Down Drill through the Louisiana Volunteers in Action website (ESAR-VHP) and approximately 200 volunteers responded to the call down.
The Big Country MRC (Sweetwater, TX) held Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training for its female members and others in the community.
The Central Texas MRC (Waco, TX) participated in a Full Scale Radiological Dispersion Device "Dirty Bomb" Exercise. There were approximately 600 participants from local, state, and federal response agencies in addition to several volunteer organizations. The MRC unit contributed nursing staff and Psychosocial Intervention Teams.
The Northwest LA MRC (Shreveport, LA) hosted its first Psychological First Aid Training at a local Office of Homeland Security Emergency Operations Center.
The Northeast Missouri MRC (Kirksville, MO) participated in School Bus Rescue training (lecture and extrication exercise) sponsored by the county Fire Chiefs Association.
Saline MRC (Marshall, MO) members including nurses, security, and clerical staff participated in a point of dispensing (POD) exercise sponsored by a hospital and local county health department.
Sedgwick County MRC (Wichita, KS) members participated in shelter management training with the American Red Cross and local health department.
The Phelps County Emergency Management Director trained 16 South-Central Missouri MRC (Rolla, MO) volunteers on how to operate portable radios.
The Central Nebraska MRC (Hastings, NE) participated in a table top exercise with a local university’s emergency operations team.
Nineteen members of the Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa MRC (Omaha, NE) Decontamination Team participated in a training session. Lecture and discussion were followed by assembling the decontamination unit, suiting up, and practicing decontamination procedures.
Twenty-six Marshall County MRC (Marysville, KS) members processed 530 elementary school children through a POD site in 2.5 hours during an exercise.
A Shawnee County MRC (Topeka, KS) volunteer conducted CPR training for a new CERT unit in Tecumseh, KS. The same training was also provided to Shawnee County MRC and CERT volunteers.
Northeast Missouri MRC (Kirksville, MO) members participated in an Air Evac Landing Zone class.
The MRC of El Paso County (Colorado Springs, CO) joined Peterson and Buckley Air Force Bases and the local Office of Emergency Management in a combined emergency notification exercise.
The Utah County MRC (Provo, UT) volunteers conducted a full scale field exercise simulating an earthquake with CERT members, American Red Cross, local EMS personnel, hazmat, and health department employees.
The MRC of Boulder County (Boulder, CO) conducted a flash flood exercise and MRC members staffed a special needs population shelter for “victims”. MRC members served on triage, health care, mental health, and discharge teams.
The Weld County MRC (Greeley, CO) held a functional exercise on hospital surge capacity to test their alternate care facility
Thirty-nine members of the Marin MRC (Marin, CA) participated in an exercise to inventory and re-organize four local Field Treatment Site trailers, using the California Disaster Healthcare Volunteer (ESAR-VHP) to activate volunteers and establish an incident command system. The volunteers worked a total of 233 hours with an estimated cost equivalency of $11,601.
The Yavapai County MRC (Cottonwood, AZ) joined public health staff in setting up and operating a special needs shelter in a two-day, multiple agency and multiple county full-scale exercise.
The Carnation-Duvall MRC (Carnation, WA) had 70 volunteers participate in a drill that depicted operational field treatment centers to care for evacuees from wildfires. The economic value of the volunteers’ time is $1,021.

Response

Due to local flooding, the Pike County MRC (Pikeville, KY) sent one MRC nurse volunteer to a local clinic to administer 2,000 tetanus shots.
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene MRC (Baltimore, MD) alerted its

volunteers for a potential deployment based on the H1N1 flu outbreak. Over 98% of the 5,500

volunteers were successfully contacted.

The Loudon County MRC (Leesburg, VA) was activated for approximately two weeks in response to the H1N1 flu virus. The unit had 22 medical and non-medical volunteers provide a total of 238 hours to the EOC. MRC volunteers supplemented health department employees in a variety of functions including database management, testing response, outreach, and call monitoring.
Volunteers with the Gateway District Health Department MRC (Owingsville, KY) assisted a

public information campaign concerning the H1N1 flu outbreak and all volunteers were put on

stand-by.

The NC-400 Duke Trauma Regional Advisory Committee Emergency Response and Recovery Program-NC State Medical Assistance Team-Level II - MRC (Durham, NC) provided H1N1 screening to over 700 campers aged 7-15 coming onto the Duke University campus.
The Western Piedmont MRC (Anderson, SC) volunteers assisted the local health department with daily contact and follow up of voluntary quarantine and voluntary isolation of families after cases of H1N1 influenza were identified in students after a field trip.
Volunteers with the Logan County MRC (Bellefontaine, OH) called 98 community leaders to invite

them to an H1N1 community planning meeting.

The Allen County MRC (Fort Wayne, IN), in partnership with the local health department

established a hotline for local residents to call with questions and concerns about the H1N1 flu

outbreak.

Fifteen MRC units in Minnesota responded to Red River flooding by staffing special needs shelters, coordinating the evacuation plans of nursing homes and hospitals, and providing relief workers for medical and psychological first aid.
Wisconsin Disaster Medical Response Team MRC (Appleton, WI) was activated by their housing organization, K-9 Emergency Response Team, to support the search for a missing kayaker in northwest Wisconsin.
Twenty-five Dallas County MRC (Dallas, TX) volunteers provided administrative support, phone bank operations, and public education field work during the local response to H1N1 influenza. Volunteers were also activated to work in the Dallas County Disaster Medical Operations Center (DMOC), and seven volunteers worked 56 hours distributing over 10,000 official DCHHS English/Spanish public information fliers.
The Oklahoma City MRC (Oklahoma City, OK) staffed an H1N1 Information Line in coordination with the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
The Denton County MRC (Denton, TX) volunteers provided support to the local health department during the recent emergence of H1N1 by assisting at the laboratory collection site and by reaching out to local physicians to provide test kits.
Due to the H1N1 outbreak, Central Nebraska MRC (Hastings, NE) volunteers were placed on stand-by.
The Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa MRC (Omaha, NE) partnered with the local fire department to provide first aid at the College World Series. The 13-game event drew over 300,000 people. 35 MRC volunteers provided over 400 hours of service.
After a severe storm, four Texas County MRC (Houston, MO) volunteers conducted wellness checks.
The Panhandle MRC (Bridgeport, NE) distributed brochures to educate the public on the H1N1 virus.
In response to a tornado, members of the Northeast Missouri MRC (Kirksville, MO) MRC worked with the American Red Cross to provide outreach and damage assessment.
The Marin MRC (San Rafael, CA) volunteers assisted with the activation and logistical support of the local EOC to plan for H1N1. In addition, four volunteer nurses were assigned as public health investigators to monitor potential surge at a local clinic and hospital and ten volunteer nurses augmented the H1N1 flu hotline. Two MRC pharmacists were placed on stand-by to receive the SNS cache. Finally, additional MRC volunteers provided critical incident stress reduction to county staff that showed signs of stress after three days of activation.

Administration

The Richmond City MRC (Richmond, VA) has established a presence on Facebook and Twitter social networking sites to promote events and recruit volunteers.
MRC volunteer recognition banquets were held in Trumbull County (Warren, OH), Marion County (Marion, OH), Williams County (Montpelier, OH) and Logan County (Bellefontaine, OH).
21 students from the Onate High School Junior MRC (Las Cruces, NM) attended the State HOSA competition and received 32 medals. The MRC is collaborating with the state HOSA conference committee and the Southern Area Health Education Center at NMSU to host the 2010 State Conference in Las Cruces.
The Southern New Mexico MRC (Las Cruces, NM) met with the West Texas MRC (El Paso, TX) to discuss collaboration for the upcoming flu season and the anticipated vaccination schedule.
The Lamar-Delta MRC (Paris, TX) is seeking funding from local foundations to sponsor Advanced Disaster Life Support training in the community.
The Texas County MRC (Houston, MO) conducted a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration to recognize the efforts of its volunteers.
The Douglas County MRC (Lawrence, KS) conducted a quarterly meeting in which MRC-TRAIN and K-SERV (Kansas’ ESAR-VHP system) were discussed. Volunteers were also updated on preparedness planning for vulnerable populations.
The Central Nebraska MRC (Hastings, NE) developed an updated PSA which is currently being played on several area radio stations.
The Sedgwick County MRC (Wichita, KS) conducted an orientation for new members and update for current members.
The Saline MRC (Marshall, MO) held its second annual Dog-n-Jog to benefit emergency preparedness for pets. This was two events in one: a 5K run and also a one mile pet fun walk. It provided exposure for the MRC unit and served as a recruiting event.
The Central Nebraska MRC (Hastings, NE) is currently working on MOUs with three Red Cross chapters in its area.

Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps Activities and Accomplishments:

The mission of the Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (OCVMRC) is to support local efforts to establish, implement, and sustain MRC units nationwide. The OCVMRC is headquartered in the Office of the Surgeon General and functions as a clearinghouse for information and guidance to MRC units and other stakeholders. OCVMRC activities include strategic planning, intra- and interagency coordination, communications, policy development, program operations, grants management, contract oversight, technical assistance, and deployment operations. These activities are carried out by OCVMRC staff, including the MRC Regional Coordinators. A staff directory can be found on the MRC website at: http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/About.

Major activities and accomplishments during the reporting period included:

4 new State MRC Coordinators were appointed:

Georgia, Shana Lightfoot (shlightfoot@dhr.state.ga.us, 404-463-1419)
Idaho, Sonja Schriever (schrievs@dhw.idaho.gov, 208-334-6950)
Illinois, Dawn Davis (dawn.davis@illinois.gov, 312-814-1092)
Mississippi, Laveta Moody-Thomas (laveta.moody-thomas@msdh.state.ms.us, 601-933-6872)

MRC staff participated, presented and/or exhibited at the following meetings and conferences:

2009 Integrated Medical, Public Health, Preparedness and Response Training Summit
Hospital Preparedness Meeting
Disaster Medicine Conference (Hurricane Consortium)
MRC Deployment Operations Spring Training
USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium
Mental Health America Conference
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Conference
National Conference on Volunteering and Service
Health Occupations Students of America National Leadership Conference
Region VI HHS Tribal Consultation
New Mexico Region 3 EMS Conference
Texas Citizen Corps Conference

MRC Deployment Operations activities included:

Twenty-five MRC volunteers, Unit Leaders and State Coordinators attended the Spring 2009 MRC Deployment training in Bethesda, MD. The training included lectures and a mass casualty exercise.
OCVMRC began recruiting MRC volunteers for a field training exercise to be held in August and September. The training is being organized by the Office of Force Readiness and Deployment and they have invited MRC volunteers to participate. The exercise will be held at Fort AP Hill, an Army training facility in Bowling Green, VA.
Work has begun on the MRC Federal Deployment Guide. This will be a pocket sized manual that will be a reference for MRC volunteers who are part of the Federal Deployment Cadre.
Deployment Operations staff attended the meeting of the Federal Education and Training Interagency Group in Washington D.C.
Deployment Operations staff participated in a meeting of the National Center for Civilian/Military Domestic Disaster Medical Response Panel in Arlington, VA.
Deployment Operations staff continued to participate in daily multi-agency conference calls dealing with planning for the 2009 Hurricane season. The calls are organized by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response.
Deployment Operations Staff continue to participate in weekly H1N1 planning meetings organized by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response.

The MRC website continues to be a great source of information for MRC leaders and others interested in the MRC program. During the reporting period, we saw the following usage of the website:

	April	May	June
Number of Website Visits	36,008	Data unavailable due to server issues.
Average Number of Website Visits per Day	1,200
Average Length of Visit (min:sec)	00:21:46

The MRC Leaders Listserv (Two-Way) had 673 subscribers at the end of the reporting period, and 193 messages were sent during the quarter.
The MRC Listserv (One-Way) had 2,143 subscribers at the end of the reporting period, and 29 messages were sent during the quarter.
The MRC State Coordinators Listserv had 53 subscribers at the end of the reporting period.
Technical Assistance (TA) Assessments have been instituted as a tool for guiding discussion about an MRC unit’s needs and priorities for organizational development. More information can be found at http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/TAAssessment. 150 TA Assessments were completed during this quarter:

The MRC was mentioned in at least 30 newspapers and other types of articles during the reporting period. See the “News and Events” page on the MRC website for links.

Upcoming MRC Program Office activities for the next quarter include:

National Association of Local Boards of Health (July 2009 in Philadelphia, PA)
GIS Conference (July 2009 in San Diego, CA)
Healthcare Preparedness Evaluation and Improvement Conference (July 2009 in Crystal City, VA)
National Association of County and City Health Officials (July 2009 in Orlando, FL)
National Conference on Community Preparedness: Citizen Corps (August 2009 in Arlington, VA)
OCVMRC Annual Staff Meeting (August 2009 in Rockville, MD)

H1N1 Flu is Nothing To Sneeze At

2009-07-16T05:48:00.000-07:00

The sustained transmission and 1918 flu like qualities of the H1N1 virus raise concerns among those in health care. While many have scoffed at the "hype" over the pandemic, their scoffing may turn to coughing before everything is said an done. Authorities believe that this flu season will be particularly challenging to health care systems. The combination of the seasonal flu and a now-mutating H1N1 virus may cause widespread infection. Health care systems are already being urged to increase their capacity in anticipation of a large number of patients needing to be seen. We at the Medical Reserve Corps have stepped up efforts to recruit and train volunteers to assist the health care systems.

School Vaccinations

2009-07-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA (NEWS CENTER) -- Maine health officials are preparing for a major school vaccination program to guard against the H1N1 virus. more

If you would like to help Oxford County respond to the H1N1 virus threat, contact the Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps at info@oxfordcountymrc.org.

H1N1 Update

2009-06-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

H1N1 continues to spread in Maine, especially in the southern half of the state, and Maine is one of 11 states reporting widespread influenza activity. Although we have an overall total of 61 cases identified by testing in Maine (50 among Maine residents and 11 among those visiting or staying in Maine) it is important to note that individual case data are useful only in that they are markers of the presence of H1N1 and community transmission in a given county or geographical area. Most people with H1N1 do not need testing (such as symptomatic close contacts of confirmed cases or people with mild illness), and their illness is not reflected in the case counts. Counties or regions with no reported cases may still be affected.

Some Highlights from the Data:

Over half of those confirmed with H1N1 since late April in Maine are under the age of 25, confirming the higher spread seen nationally among children and young adults. Only one confirmed case in Maine is over 60 years old.
Although most cases are from the southern and mid coast regions of Maine, there has been a recent increase in cases from Androscoggin County.
A total of 4 Maine people have been hospitalized for H1N1; two have been discharged and two remain hospitalized. The preliminary hospitalization rate in Maine and some other states is approximately 5 – 12%, and appears highest among pregnant women, young – middle aged adults, and children, especially those with underlying conditions such as asthma, other lung diseases and chronic conditions. This is in contrast to the hospitalization rate of seasonal influenza, which is about 1% and is highest among those 65 and older.
Cases have been identified in 4 summer camps, 1 jail, and among students from a number of different schools.
Several recent cases have a common history of travel to other areas of New England, such as the Greater Boston area, or visits from relatives from these areas, emphasizing the importance of vigilant respiratory hygiene.
Many cases have no history of travel or contact with a known case, and therefore are evidence of community transmission.
As the H1N1 spreads we expect to see some increase in severity, as has been seen in other states.

Other H1N1 Data Updates:
Maine The Maine CDC public health laboratory (HETL) has performed about 2,200 influenza tests this past 2 months with PCR technology, and is now confirming H1N1 sub-typing.
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-2009.shtml
New England 2,286 confirmed cases (with most states limiting testing to those who are hospitalized) and 5 deaths (1 in MA & RI, 3 in CT)
MA updates: http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/h1n1-swine-flu/
U.S. 21,449 confirmed cases with many times this number as the expected true number of cases, and 87 deaths. All 50 states affected. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm
International http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
WHO raised the level of the influenza pandemic alert from a phase 5 to a phase 6 on June 11, 2009. 74 countries have officially reported almost 45,000 cases, including at least180 deaths.

Mitigation:
It is especially important for those associated with any gathering or grouping of people (employment settings, reunions, meetings, youth camps, etc) to make sure the tools and reminders are readily available to maintain respiratory etiquette. Examples include making sure soap/water, hand sanitizer, tissues, and reminder posters are easily available.
In addition to these prevention recommendations it is also important for any setting where people are congregated routinely (employment settings, child care, day camps, shelters, etc) or for a length of time (overnight camps, prisons, cruises, etc) that measures are taken to assure appropriate: exclusion of ill participants and sometimes those at high risk for complications; screening for symptoms; and isolation and treatment of ill participants. Details and other guidance are found in the links below.

Several high priority areas include:
Pregnant Women (who are at high risk for complications from H1N1)
Guidance for Pregnant Women Likely to Be Exposed to H1N1 (those working in health care, education, child care)
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant-hcw-educators.htm
What Pregnant Women Should Know About H1N1
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant.htm
Guidance for Clinicians Caring for Pregnant Women
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm
Summer Gatherings (family reunions, BBQs, weddings, parties, meetings, etc)
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/public_gatherings.htm
Day and Residential Camps
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/camp.htm
Homeless and Domestic Violence Shelters
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/homeless.htm
Child Care Facilities and School Programs
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/K12_dismissal.htm
Correctional facilities
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/correctional_facilities.htm
Travelers’ Health
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx
Cruise Boats
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/cruiseships.htm
Businesses and Employers
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/business/
Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

Shared Responsibility for All People:

Maintain Respiratory Etiquette:
Cover coughs and sneezes with sleeves or a tissue. Sneezes can travel 100 miles per hour and the wet spray can radiate 6 feet. Droplets from an infected person can get into the air from sneezing, coughing, or simply talking, then can be inhaled by and infect people nearby, especially within 6 feet.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially after you: cough, sneeze or wipe your nose; use the bathroom; have had contact with a sick person; touch handrails, doorknobs or other things handled by many people; before eating; and after handling garbage. Influenza germs can live for hours on surfaces like hands, doorknobs and other commonly touched surfaces, and can easily spread when a person touches these contaminated items then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth since germs spread this way.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Stay home if you are ill.
If you are sick with an influenza-like illness (fever and other symptoms including a sore throat or cough), stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus.
Stay informed since this event and guidance are changing.
Make preparations. If you do not have a pandemic influenza plan, then use a preparation check lists for your setting or situation, found at: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/checklists.html.
Vaccination:

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
Maine CDC and the Department of Education are partnering to offer free seasonal influenza vaccine to children through interested local schools this fall. We are very appreciative to partners in health care, public health, emergency management, and others who are reaching out to schools on these local initiatives. For more information on how you can become involved, check the recent health advisory on this subject at: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=74633&an=1
US CDC Power Point Overview of School-Based Seasonal Vaccines: http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/infectious_diseases/immunization/pdf/school_flu_clinic_march_2009_vogt_slides.pdf
H1N1 Influenza Vaccine

We anticipate and are planning for H1N1 vaccine to be available this fall. We ask that health organizations, emergency management, and others start planning for this. We expect much more information available in the coming weeks.
Some large scale vaccine planning guidance can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/vax_clinic.htm
Updated information on H1N1 vaccine can be found at:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/vaccine/index.html
Communication:
Basic Resources:
US CDC H1N1: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1/
Maine CDC H1N1: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-2009.shtml
This is also found through the Maine CDC’s homepage:
www.mainepublichealth.gov
Maine Department of Education H1N1 page: http://www.maine.gov/education/h1n1/index.html
Maine CDC’s 24 hour clinical consultation line for health care providers or officials needing to report a suspected case, obtain testing information, or obtain clinical guidance: 1-800-821-5821
Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) will perform influenza RT-PCR tests and sub-typing for influenza A positive specimens. Instructions on collecting and submitting laboratory diagnostic specimens for H1N1 influenza testing are available at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/etl/micro/submitting_samples.htm.
Maine CDC Public Information Line: 1-888-257-0990 weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

Other Resources:
Posters and Flyers
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/Flu%20Posters.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/flyers.htm
Foreign Language, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Materials
http://www.maine.gov/DHHS/boh/h1n1-foreign-lang-resources.shtml
Social Media Resources on H1N1
http://www.cdc.gov/socialmedia/h1n1/

H1N1 Update

2009-06-03T06:35:00.001-07:00

Maine CDC has identified a total of 17 cases of H1N1 (14 confirmed and 3 probable) among Maine residents, along with an additional 4 out of state residents who were ill and tested while staying in Maine, for an overall total of 21. This total includes 7 additional cases this week, 5 in Cumberland County and 2 in York County. One of the two New York County residents is hospitalized. One of the new Cumberland County residents is a Brunswick High School student. Four recent cases are residents of the Brunswick area, indicating possible clustering in that area, and include 3 children or youth. Out of the 17 cases: 2 are health care workers; 3 have been hospitalized, and 1 of these remains hospitalized; 27 is the average age, with a range of 3 - 60 years; 7 are under the age of 18, with 3 being students of K-12 schools. Of the overall total of 21, 14 had an out of state travel history during the likely period of exposure, including 6 who traveled to other parts of New England or New York State. Of the 4 out of state residents, 1 was tested in York County, 1 in Hancock, 2 in Lincoln County. The Maine CDC public health laboratory (HETL) has performed over 1,700 influenza PCR tests this past month, and is now able to do confirmatory H1N1 testing, eliminating the need have specimens confirmed at US CDC.

Acting Surgeon General Promotes “Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future” and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in the Nation’s Capitol

2009-05-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., will make another stop on his nationwide tour to celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and promote the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative on May 18 in Washington, D.C. The initiative targets obesity prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles for young people.
The Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future project brings well deserved attention to communities throughout America that are coming together to address childhood overweight and obesity prevention. The project also recognizes local programs that use innovative approaches to encourage kids to eat right and exercise.
Rear Adm. Galson will present a Surgeon General’s Champion Award to the “Lighten Up” Campaign, a partnership between Children’s National Medical Center, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., and W*USA 9 during an event with students at the Browne Educational Campus. In addition to the Champion Award ceremony, the students will participate in The Amazing Food Detective, presented by Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theater Program which includes interactive play focused on healthy diets. Dominique Dawes, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Lt. Andy Baldwin, M.D., an Ironman Triathlete, lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, and also known as “The Bachelor” from the tenth season of the reality show will also lead the students in a physical activity exercise.
“National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the important benefits of being active” said Rear Adm. Galson. “The ‘Lighten Up’ campaign is an example of achievement that results from powerhouse organizations coming together to help our young people develop healthy habits that will last them a lifetime.”
The ‘Lighten Up’ Campaign engages public policy representatives to support educational efforts and encourages parents, primary care providers and school nurses to use interactive resources to combat childhood obesity.
“There is no better place to combat childhood obesity than in the nation’s capital, where we have the highest rate of overweight 10 to 17 year-olds in the country,” said Denice Cora-Bramble, MD, MBA, senior vice president of the Diana L. & Stephen A. Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health at Children’s National Medical Center. “As part of the LightenUp campaign, the Obesity Institute at Children’s National aims to help children and families nationwide avoid the health risks associated with childhood obesity, such as heart disease, and diabetes.”
“This campaign is about more than achieving a healthy weight, it's about living a healthier lifestyle," said Marilyn Kawamura, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc. "Our exclusive physician partners in the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group see the complications everyday and know all too well the best prescription for anyone is exercise as medicine for a happier, healthier life."
Childhood overweight is a serious health concern for children and adolescents in the United States. Since 1980, obesity has more than doubled among children ages two to five and more than tripled among youth ages six to 11 and adolescents ages 12-19. Additional information on the Surgeon General's Initiative can be found at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/obesityprevention/index.html.

Nationwide MRC Response to H1N1

2009-05-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

Since the initial announcement of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza outbreak, many MRC units have reported that they are maintaining their situational awareness, reviewing their pandemic response plans with their local public health, medical and emergency response partners, and planning for possible SNS distributions of antiviral medications. In addition, many MRC have conducted H1N1 flu-related activities in their communities, and you will find descriptions of these activities below.

To help us maintain our situational awareness, please make sure your MRC unit profile (http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/login.asp) is current and accurate, and ensure that your unit's recent activities – especially those related to the H1N1 flu - are noted. We will continue to share this information with key leaders within HHS, including the Surgeon General, as well as with partner programs and others through reports and additional listserv messages. By being fully aware of the activities taking place across the country, we will best be able to tell the story of how the MRC made a positive impact during this public health emergency.

Your efforts and continued hard work are appreciated, and we look forward to reading and reporting on more of your responses.

REGION I

Massachusetts

Boston MRC hosted a H1N1 training for response and leadership level volunteers.
Amherst Health Department MRC staffed a First Aid station at local fair to distribute information on H1N1 and to display information on emergency and personal preparedness.

REGION II

New Jersey

Burlington MRC assisted local health authorities by staffing phones and working on issues related to patient tracking/follow-up.
Monmouth County MRC sent 2 volunteers to state call center to answer questions about H1N1 (approximately 2400 calls were received).

New York

New York City MRC physician volunteers assisted the NYC Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene with staffing of the Provider Access Line call center to answer questions related to H1N1.

REGION III

Maryland

Montgomery County MRC opened their Public Health Information Line (PHIL). The MRC volunteers have been utilized for every shift to answer phones and take questions from the community.

Pennsylvania

Southern Alleghenies EMS Council MRC made 250 H1N1 bags to hand out to church members to provide information from CDC on H1N1.

Virginia

Loudoun County MRC, Eastern Shore MRC, and Henrico County MRC all have volunteers that are assisting with logistics within their local EOC’s and assisting in call centers to convey public health information related to the H1N1 virus.

REGION IV

Alabama

North Alabama MRC was activated by the Huntsville/Madison County EMA to staff a phone bank with MRC volunteer nurses and physicians to answer questions and take information regarding the H1N1 influenza.

Florida

Flagler MRC is assisting the Department of Health and scheduling presentations dealing with Pandemic flu to the faith based organizations in the area

Kentucky

Gateway District Health Department MRC is assisting in a public information campaign concerning the H1N1 virus and all volunteers have been put on stand-by.

North Carolina

Chatham MRC volunteers provided public health education on H1N1 by reaching out to 200 adults and distributed 45 children’s disaster preparedness coloring books to prepare the community on emergency preparedness and response.

REGION V

Illinois

Douglas County MRC was activated to staff a call center. Volunteers are also assisting in SNS drop site activities
Maine Township MRC assisted the local hospital with their potential need for surge capacity.
Will County MRC was activated to staff a call center.
Oak Park Department of Public Health is on an active stand-by alert status after deployment of a SNS to state of Illinois.
Bureau & Putnam County MRC have been put on alert to answer calls for questions and concerns related to H1N1.

Indiana

The Allen County MRC, in partnership with the local health department, established a hotline for local residents to call with questions and concerns about the H1N1 virus.

Ohio

Franklin County MRC Volunteers underwent training on Contact Investigation and are staffing call centers
Logan County MRC called 98 community leaders to invite them to an H1N1 community planning meeting.
Holmes County MRC assisted in diagnostic testing of patients with risk factors for H1N1 flu.
Lorain County MRC was activated to staff a call center to answer question about the H1N1 outbreak.

Wisconsin

Southeast Wisconsin MRC volunteers are staffing call centers, and clinics where they are performing diagnostic testing on patients.

REGION VI

Arkansas

South Arkansas MRC volunteers are distributing information on H1N1 flu to local pharmacies, convenient stores, grocery stores, and other locations.
Western Arkansas River Valley MRC educated local clinicians and volunteers about H1N1 Flu identification and treatment.

Louisiana

Calcasieu Parish MRC is helping the Regional Office of Public Health in Lake Charles, LA with calls to hospitals, doctors’ offices and other healthcare facilities to check on their needs and current availability of supplies. They also are delivering test kits to healthcare facilities. Volunteers also have been involved in community mitigation efforts, teaching proper hand washing at local schools. Approximately 22 volunteers have been involved with this effort.
Northwest Louisiana MRC is providing care to local residents at free clinic. They also are providing education to vulnerable populations in the Caddo-Bossier area.
New Orleans MRC volunteers have been involved in community education on H1N1 flu and recruitment of volunteers.

New Mexico

Southern New Mexico MRC has provided H1N1 updates to their partners including Americorps, American Red Cross, American Legion, and New Mexico State University Health Programs. They also have assisted in coordination of community planning and mitigation efforts. They held a briefing for the local Onate High Junior MRC on a potential role with community education.

Oklahoma

18 MRC units have been activated to assist state health department personnel with staffing their phone bank. The phone bank is expanding its hours of operation due to high call volume. This information line is answering calls from medical providers as well as the general public

Texas

Dallas County MRC is assisting with staffing phone lines and distributing informational flyers from the County Health Department at bus stops across the county.
Brazoria County MRC is assisting the county Emergency Management Agency. They are staffing phone bank for incoming calls from concerned citizens and will be assisting with preparedness activities. They are validating phone lists of community partners and gathering emergency contact information for every pharmacy in the county.
Denton County MRC volunteers are staffing the drop off and pick up laboratory at the Health Department. The lab is supporting local doctors’ offices that need the Health Department to collect their specimens. Volunteers also distributed information flyers to patients visiting the health department.
Tarrant County volunteers are providing assistance with conducting basic contact investigations, staffing phones, and with assembling flu kits.
Gregg County MRC is assisting Gregg County Health Department with public information distribution on H1N1 Flu.

REGION VIII

Colorado

Boulder County MRC volunteers are answering phone calls from community on H1N1 flu and preparing to assist with medication distribution if needed.
Fremont County MRC is organizing and delivering information packets on H1N1 flu to physician's offices.
Mesa County MRC volunteers are making presentations to community on H1N1 flu.

Utah

Davis County MRC is conducting a POD training in anticipation of future mass vaccinations.

REGION IX

Arizona

Medical Reserve Corps of Southern Arizona (MRCSA) members are staffing alternate care sites, and the Student MRC has been placed on alert. Mental Health members met for response planning. MRCSA Task Force members are currently staffing the Health Department’s Call Center.

California

The San Francisco MRC leader was featured on a local television news station regarding H1N1 preparedness.
Orange County MRC was activated to assist in the receiving of supplies from the Stockpile. The MRC volunteers were able to receive and inventory the cache in one hour. Orange County MRC was also asked to provide some nurses to assist Public Health with their H1N1 Flu Hotline. Four MRC nurses volunteered in four hour shifts.
Sacramento Regional MRC is assisting Sacramento County Public Health with picking-up lab specimens from area health facilities and transporting them to the lab. Volunteers delivered testing kits to and picked up lab specimens 18 times from area health facilities and transported the specimens to the Sacramento County Public Health Lab. Requests to transport lab specimens are increasing. They currently have 10-12 volunteers available per day to make the pick-ups and deliveries.
The Marin County MRC had 44 volunteers active, working 355 hours. The volunteers donated $15, 074 worth of services. They provided the following services: Department Operations Center (DOC) set-up and logistical support; public "Hotline" training and staffing; providing DOC Unit Leaders; providing a Public Health Nursing Liaison; Mental Health support for DOC Staff and hotline call takers; field intelligence gathering; providing an IT technical specialist; providing administrative support; providing county laboratory support; and augmenting clinic and hospital staffing.

REGION X

Washington

Thurston County MRC has been deployed to assist the local health department with communication to special populations, phone triage, surveillance, and assistance to the health officer. In addition the MRC coordinator will be utilizing MRC volunteers to recruit for future fall flu season.
Whatcom County MRC volunteers have been involved in respirator fit testing for the local hospital. They are running 4 fit test stations from 7 am to 1 am with a goal to perform fit testing on 1000 people over 20 days. They also are staffing a telephone triage call line. Whatcom County MRC also developed a potential Alternate Care Facility for surge capacity in event of hospital overflow. Whatcom County MRC staffed a phone bank in conjunction with Peace Health St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Snohomish County MRC volunteers are staffing a call center, seven days a week, from 9am to 4pm to answer questions about H1N1 influenza.

Lessons Learned, Skills Gained

2009-05-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

We were fortunate that the H1N1 flu didn't materialize as it could have. Some of the benefits of the event are:

1.The experience has helped preparedness agencies to review and revise their response plans.
2. The citizens of our country became aware that a viral threat could affect our nation.
3. Many people practiced their personal and family preparedness plans
4. Communities who had not developed preparedness plans made plans to do so.
5. The general public became more aware of hygiene methods to prevent the spread of disease.

This fall health authorities will be offering both a seasonal flu vaccine and a H1N1 vaccine. All citizens are encouraged to get both shots. The local Medical Reserve Corps is discussing the methods that will be used to administer the vaccine. If possible, we hope to participate in the process. If youy are interested in being a mass immunization clinic volunteer, contact the MRC today.

WHO Likely to Declare a Flu Pandemic

2009-05-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

By Ben Harding and Laura MacInnis, Reuters
MADRID/GENEVA (May 4) - The World Health Organization is likely to raise its flu alert to the top of its six-point scale and declare a pandemic, its director-general indicated in an interview published on Monday.
More

Maine H1N1 Influenza (“Swine Flu”) Update Friday, May 1, 2009, 8 PM

2009-05-02T02:41:00.000-07:00

Maine Data: 6 probable cases are awaiting final confirmation from US CDC.
New England Data: 2 cases have been confirmed in MA; probable cases reported throughout New England.
National Data: 141 cases and 1 death confirmed by CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm)
International Data: WHO reports 367 cases worldwide (http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/)

Recent Activity:
Case finding:
There are 6 probable cases in Maine, 1 in Penobscot County, 2 in Kennebec County and 3 in York County. Two youth have been diagnosed, one in Penobscot County and one in York County. The other cases are diagnosed among non-elderly adults. Cases continue to be investigated by Maine CDC infectious disease epidemiologists.
Teminology: A “probable” case means that tests performed by Maine CDC show that a person has H1N1. Probable cases are then sent to U.S. CDC for final confirmation. Some cases may be deemed “Suspicious;” these involve individuals who, through a combination of factors, are considered to have H1N1, but no final conclusion has been reached through testing.

Key messages:
H1N1 is here in Maine. We all need to stay informed, be prepared, and most importantly practice proper respiratory hygiene, including the following steps:
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.
The Maine CDC Website is updated on an ongoing basis to include FAQs, press releases and Health Advisories.

Press Release:
The most recent probable cases were announced in a press release from the Governor’s Ofice: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=71954&v=article-2008

Laboratory:
The Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) continues to conduct flu testing, with more than 300 tests conducted to date.

General Information
In addition to the information published on our website, those wanting general information about H1N1 may call our toll-free information line at (888) 257-0990; NexTalk (deaf/hard of hearing): (207) 629-5751. The line will be open until on weekdays from 9am to 8pm, and weekends from 12 noon to 5pm.

Three Probable H1N1 Influenza ("Swine Flu") Cases Identified in Maine

2009-04-29T13:21:00.001-07:00

As of 12:30 PM April 29, 2009, 3 probable cases of H1N1 Influenza (“Swine Flu”) were identified in Maine. Two of the individuals are residents of Kennebec County and the third is a resident of York County. All are non-elderly adults. Samples from the three were tested this morning at Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL). The samples will be submitted to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for final confirmation, which is highly likely. The cases are currently being investigated by Maine CDC infectious disease epidemiologists. The most important strategies to minimize swine flu’s impact in Maine are those of vigilant respiratory hygiene: covering coughs and sneezes with sleeves or elbows; washing hands frequently; and staying home if ill, especially with a fever. Additionally, everyone should stay informed since this event is rapidly changing and resulting guidance is as well. The U.S. CDC’s website has updated national information and guidance, and can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/. Maine CDC’s website has updated Maine-specific information, including daily updates starting later today, as well as links to federal information. It can be located at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-2009.shtml or found on the Maine CDC’s homepage: www.mainepublichealth.gov.

Maine Swine Flu Briefing Summary of Information and Activities for Tuesday, April 28, 2009

2009-04-29T09:03:00.001-07:00

Maine: No confirmed cases as of April 28, 2009, 4 PM
New England States: No confirmed cases as of April 28, 2009, 4 PM
National Report: 64 cases confirmed by CDC as of April 28, 2009, 4PM (for mor information: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm)
The Federal Government declared a public health emergency which allows states to access federal resources on April 26, 2009. Maine CDC issued a Travel Health Warning for Mexico on April 27, 2009: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx.
International Report: WHO at http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_24/en/index.html

Recent Maine CDC Activity:
Communication:
• State Health Officer Dr. Dora Anne Mills and other senior Maine CDC staff continue to participate in conference calls and press briefings and media events to inform and update health care providers, the public, state government and emergency management partners. Theme for the day: “Keep informed, be prepared.”
• Dr. Mills, along with Dr. Kathleen Gensheimer and Dr. Peter Smith, appeared on the WCSH Channel 6 news program “207” to discuss the outbreak.
• Several Health Advisories and press releases have been produced, oriented toward health care providers and provider organizations, schools and day care facilities, and the general public.
• The Maine CDC Website is updated on an ongoing basis to include FAQs, press releases and Health Advisories: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-2009.shtml.

Laboratory Capacity:
• Capacity at the state Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) has been enhanced to accommodate an increase in flu tests submitted by health care providers. This includes increased staff capacity, expanded hours of operation and assurance of adequate inventories of tests and supplies. Emergency courier services have also been identified to transport tests.

Case Surveillance:
• Epidemiologic case surveillance for influenza has increased, with case investigations referred to District Epidemiologists on an ongoing bases.

Clinical Consultation with Health Care Providers:
• A staff of nurse epidemiologists has been assembled to answer swine flu-related questions from health care providers, with clinical backup from physician epidemiologists and microbiologists.

World Health Organization Raises Pandemic Alert To Level 4

2009-04-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

Phase 4 is characterized by verified human-to-human transmission of an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus able to cause "community-level outbreaks." The ability to cause sustained disease outbreaks in a community marks a significant upwards shift in the risk for a pandemic. Any country that suspects or has verified such an event should urgently consult with WHO so that the situation can be jointly assessed and a decision made by the affected country if implementation of a rapid pandemic containment operation is warranted. Phase 4 indicates a significant increase in risk of a pandemic but does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is a forgone conclusion.

More

Swine Influenza (Flu)

2009-04-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses has been documented.

Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the U.S. in San Diego County and Imperial County, California as well as in San Antonio, Texas. Internationally, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in Mexico.
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
State
# of laboratory confirmed cases
California 7 cases
Texas 2 cases
Kansas 2 cases
TOTAL COUNT 11 cases

International Human Cases of Swine Flu InfectionSee: World Health Organization

As of April 25th, 2009 7:30 p.m. EDT :

Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses.

CDC is working very closely with state and local officials in California, Texas, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization. On April 24th, CDC deployed 7 epidemiologists to San Diego County, California and Imperial County, California and 1 senior medical officer to Texas to provide guidance and technical support for the ongoing epidemiologic field investigations. CDC has also deployed to Mexico 1 medical officer and 1 senior expert who are part of a global team that is responding to the outbreak of respiratory illnesses in Mexico.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. There are many things you can to do preventing getting and spreading influenza:
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

MRC Participates In Drill

2009-04-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps (OCMRC) participated in a drill in Norway to set up an Alternate Care Facility at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. OCMRC took a lead in coordinating the volunteer efforts. Assisting OCMRC was the Western Maine Young Marines, based out of Camp Keys in Augusta. A number of youngsters aged from 8-16 performed the bulk of the work to move and set up the facility.

An Alternate Care Facility is designed to provide treatment for persons involved in a mass casualty event. The facilities are usually set up in public buildings and take on overflow from area health care facilities. An Alternate Care Facility can be set up in any large space an need not be restricted to a school or other public building. The supplies are made available through Maine CDC and coordinated by the Regional Resource Center. This was the first time an Alternate Care Facility has been set up in Maine. Other areas plan to follow suit using the lessons learned in this exercise.

Today's event did not involve medical staffing. In the near future, plans are being made to stand up the facility for a simulated drill involving patients and providers. Persons interested in volunteering as a medical provider, support staff member or patient can contact us at info@westernmainemrc.org.

Personal & Family Preparedness/ Intro to MRC Presentation April 27th in Mexico

2009-04-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps will be offering a free training on Personal and Family Preparedness on Monday, April 27th at 6:00pm in the Calvin Lyons Meeting Hall in the basement of the Mexico Town Office. The presentation will be made by Mexico Health Officer David Saphier and Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps Unit Coordinator, Kevin N. Saisi. Light Refreshments will be provided.

Alternate Care Site Set Up Drill in Norway Volunteers Needed Wed. & Thur.

2009-04-20T04:10:00.000-07:00

The Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps needs your help. They will be participating in a drill to convert a section of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School into an emergency medical care facility. They need volunteers to assist with moving supplies, setting up the facility and disassembling it the next day. If you have free time on either Thursday or Friday April 23rd & 24th between the hours of 7am to 3pm, and would like to help our community be better prepared for emergencies please contact Oxford County Medical Reserve
Corps at 357-1821.

Organizations wishing to participate need to have their own insurance. Individuals will need to register or be registered with the Medical Reserve Corps to assure insurance coverage. Any organization currently scheduled to participate in the upcoming EMA drill cannot participate in this drill as it would be a dual use of resources.

Minor Quake in Minot

2009-03-10T05:44:00.000-07:00

MINOT - The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a temblor measuring 1.7 on the Richter scale early Monday morning.

Special Needs Shelter

2009-03-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

The residents of Western Maine are quite resilient when it comes to severe weather. Most are prepared to shelter-in-place for a number of days. However, there are a number of situations that could occur forcing the evacuation of our population centers. In such cases, those with no other options would be directed to an emergency shelter established by the town or Red Cross. Those requiring special accommodations due to medical, behavioral or mental health challenges would require support from trained persons. Special Needs Shelter (SpNS) and Special Need Accommodation (SpNA) volunteers can provide that support if other support services are unavailable. Special Needs Shelters are truly identified as the refuge of last resort for those who could not make other arrangements, such as sheltering with family or friends who live out of the affected area or who have generator power.
The staffing, management and operation of a Special Need Shelter is the shared responsibility of the local Emergency Management, County Government, Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Emergency Management Agency. Special Needs Accommodation Volunteers provide support services in General Population shelters. Special needs The Medical Reserve Corps is working to provide a means to fulfill this need in Western Maine.
Special Needs Shelters are designed to accommodate individuals with special medical needs, yet who are not ill enough to require hospitalization. The most common reason for admission to a Special Needs Shelter is a person who requires oxygen therapy and utilizes an electrically powered oxygen concentrator. People with conditions requiring professional observation and assessment, assistance with medications and monitoring of vital signs may also be admitted. The Special Needs Shelter is not equipped for and cannot accept individuals requiring hospital or nursing home care, or inpatient mental health care.
The Medical Reserve Corps will initiate registration for the Special Needs Shelter within the next year . Registrations will be updated every year. This is because people’s medical conditions and county of residence may change from year to year. For those receiving home health care, applications should be completed and submitted by the home health agency. Other residents may obtain applications from their local Emergency Management Agency. When an application is submitted, it is reviewed to determine the appropriate level of sheltering. The applicant will then receive a letter informing them that they have been registered for the Special Needs Shelter, or that they are appropriate for a General Shelter, or that they need a higher level of care that only a nursing home or hospital can provide.
All shelter locations and opening times will be announced in newspapers and on the radio. In addition, individuals registered for the Special Needs Shelter will receive a phone call with this information. Individuals who have no transportation should indicate this on their application. Transportation is coordinated through Emergency Management.
Clients need to bring:
All medications (a sufficient supply in their original containers), medical supplies and equipment (including your oxygen concentrator)
Any special dietary items
Necessary personal items (limited due to space constraints)

All shelterees should bring a caregiver, if at all possible, since staff is limited. Home health agencies should provide staff to take care of their clients.
On arrival, you will be admitted by clerical staff, assigned a cot and then admitted by a nurse. Unfortunately, cots cannot be provided to caretakers because this would limit the shelter capacity for patients. Lawn or lounge chairs cannot be allowed due to lack of space. Shelterees will be provided with a list of shelter rules which include no smoking in the shelter or on shelter grounds. The shelter is staffed around the clock, but shelterees are expected to help themselves to the best of their ability, just as they would at home.
Special Needs Shelters are generally intended to operate for a limited time during an emergency. In most instances, shelterees are able to return home as soon as the conditions permits. If they are unable to return home due to structural damage or extended power outages, Emergency Management and the Red Cross will facilitate relocation.