County prepares for emergencies
Like many communities across the country, Morgan County strives to help residents overcome barriers to preparing for the next public health emergency, whether natural or man-made. To explore ways to protect individuals from public health threats, community leaders are planning several activities during National Public Health Week, April 2-8.
"We all want residents in Morgan County to be protected from health dangers that could arise in the event of an emergency, such as a disease outbreak or natural disaster," said Karen Dawson, health department administrator. "Today it is urgent that we adequately prepare for threats to our health."
Across the nation, Americans remain largely unprepared for public health dangers emergencies, and many do not have any emergency plans in place. Vulnerable populations, such as mothers with children still living in the household, schools and individuals with chronic health care needs, are particularly at risk in the event of a disaster.
"National Health Week 2007 is the empowering residents and leaders to take steps to plan for health emergencies and ensuring that they have proper resources, such as food, medicine and transportation," said Dawson.
During National Public Health Week, Morgan County will hold the following events:
Monday, April 2: Lions Club Eye Examination Van at the Health Department from 9-4 p.m. The Smoker's Coalition and American Red Cross will have representatives and displays in the health department conference room from 9-4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 3: Fasting blood sugar and blood pressure tests will be given by the health department from 9-11 a.m.
Wednesday, April 4: An Air-Care Medical Transport Helicopter, State and County Police, Fire Department, Rescue Squad and Red Cross will be at Widmyer Elementary School, from 1-4 p.m.
Thursday, April 5: The Health Department will judge the poster contest entries from the county elementary schools, grades K through second. The theme for the poster contest is Family Disaster Preparedness. Certificates and cash prizes will be awarded at the winners schools on Thursday. Fasting blood sugar and blood pressure tests will be given by the health department from 9-11 a.m.
Handouts for Family Emergency Preparedness Planning and other health related topics will be available at all events. For more information on these events, contact Carol Chaney at 304-258-1513. The Morgan County Health Department is located at 187 S. Green Street, Berkeley Springs.
