KDHE to Conduct Public Forums on Pandemic Influenza And Avian Flu

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has scheduled 11 public forums across Kansas to discuss influenza, including pandemic influenza, avian flu and the state's pandemic preparedness plan.

Dr. Howard Rodenberg, KDHE Division of Health Director and State Health Officer; and Dr. Gail Hansen, KDHE State Epidemiologist, will discuss what to expect if avian and/or pandemic influenza appears in the U.S., ways to limit the spread of avian and/or pandemic influenza, and the Kansas Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan.

In addition, Rodenberg and Hansen will discuss guidelines on seeking medical care if one experiences influenza symptoms, the importance of vaccinations, the products available for treatment (antivirals), and the differences between various types of influenza. A question and answer session will follow each presentation.

All interested members of the general public including business owners, chambers of commerce, community organizations, local school and government officials are encouraged to attend.

Local media are also encouraged to attend the forum in the area they serve.

The location, date and time of each of the 11 influenza public forums are as follows:

• November 7, 7 p.m. - Commission Chambers, Unified Government East Building, 701 N. 7th Street, Kansas City, Ks
• November 8, 7 p.m. - Shawnee County Health Agency Auditorium, 1615 SW 8th Ave., Topeka
• November 9, 7 p.m. - Salina-Saline County Health Department, 125 W Elm, Salina
• November 14, 7 p.m. - Fisher Center, 201 E Iowa, Hiawatha
• November 17, 7 p.m. - Pittsburg State University, Nursing Department Room 142, Pittsburg
• November 18, 7 p.m. - Neosho County Community College Auditorium, Sanders Hall, 800 W 14th, Chanute
• November 21, 7 p.m. - Johnson County Health Department, 11875 Sunset, Olathe
• November 22, 7 p.m. - Wichita State University Hughes Metroplex Sudermann Room 132, 5015 E. 29th St. N. (Near 29th and Oliver), Wichita
• November 28, 7 p.m. - Finney County Library, 605 E Walnut, Garden City
• November 29, 6:30 p.m. - Ford County Government Center, 100 Gunsmoke, Dodge City
• November 30, 7 p.m. - Hays High School Theater, 2300 E 13th, Hays

Back to KDHE News Release Index