Byron-Bergen students promote flu awareness

When New York State Commissioner of Health Dr. Antonia Novello spoke to government officials and educators at Monroe Community College this summer, she got everyone's attention with this statement: It's not a question of if there will be a flu pandemic; the question is when.

Student leaders from the Byron-Bergen Emergency Response Team (BBERT) spent a day discussing what they can do to mitigate the effects of an active and potentially dangerous flu season. They brainstormed a number of strategies for making their school and community more aware of preventive steps people can take every day, including good health habits and vaccination.

In cooperation with the Genesee County Health Department, the Byron-Bergen School District sponsored a flu clinic for staff members at the middle/high and elementary schools. An assembly is planned for students to demonstrate the correct way to sneeze (into your shoulder, not your hands) and to emphasize the importance of frequent and thorough hand washing. In addition, students are working with district officials to install waterless hand sanitizer dispensers in key areas of the schools.

BBERT is funded, in part, by a grant from the New York State Learn and Serve America program. The group's motto is, "Here to help and ready to act."

For more information, see the U.S. Government's web site at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ or the Centers for Disease Control's web page at http://.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm

December 10, 2006