May 11, 2009 issue
MDS considers potential response to flu pandemic
Information offered with MC Canada
By Mennonite Disaster Service staffAKRON, Pa. — Mennonite Disaster Service is working to determine how it would respond to a flu pandemic.
In the event of a public-health disaster, MDS would work in partnership with congregations and Anabaptist communities in reaching out to those affected.
World health officials have declared a public-health emergency due to cases of influenza A, known as H1N1.
MDS has worked with Mennonite Church Canada to offer pandemic information and resources for congregations.
Though some of the site’s content is specific to Canada, most is pertinent to people in the United States as well.
The site has news updates, a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a link for congregations, including a link to MDS’s guide for congregations preparing for disasters.
MDS’s vision is to train people to be ready for disasters, not to wait until disasters happen.
“Preparing for a pandemic flu is just another way of preparing for a disaster, and the church is looking to MDS to help in a response,” said Scott Sundberg, MDS communications coordinator, in a May 4 statement.
“MDS wants to be focused on preparation, not panic or paranoia, and we hope we can work with you to help keep constituents from having a spirit of fear, but one of being informed and prepared.”
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