TRENTON - Beginning today, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has added to its website a free, online pandemic influenza webinar to educate individuals on pandemic influenza preparations. The webinar is available in both English and Spanish on the DHSS website at www.nj.gov/health/training/panflu.

"Learning the facts about pandemics and planning ahead are important elements of pandemic flu preparedness," said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard.

“As we continue to monitor the resurgence of H1N1 influenza this fall, it’s important that all New Jersey residents be as informed and prepared as possible,” she added. “This online program is an important tool that will help businesses, employees and families learn how to protect themselves.”

While appropriate for all New Jerseyans, the webinar specifically targets employees and employers.  It can be taken as an online course, downloaded onto CDs or an organization’s intranet, or by printed copy.

Upon completion of the webinar users should:

·         Understand the impact a flu pandemic may have in a community and what community leaders may need to do to reduce the impact

·         Be able to develop a Pandemic Flu Personal Emergency Plan

·         Know how to reduce your risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others

·         Know how to provide flu care at home

·         Understand where you can get help for the emotional stress a flu pandemic may cause

·         Know how to identify reliable sources of public health information

The webinar was funded by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and developed by DHSS and Rutgers University.

For information on H1N1 influenza, visit www.nj.gov/health.

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