Get Ready Campaign, The

The campaign speaks directly to the public by telling people exactly what they need to do to prepare themselves for a bird flu pandemic, such as how to stockpile supplies, create a plan and ways to stay healthy. The campaign provides information through:

• The Get Ready for Flu blog, which provides readers with background information on pandemic and avian influenza and practical advice on how to prepare themselves, their families and their communities for bird flu. The blog also provides a discussion forum that addresses emerging issues and allows visitors to share comments and knowledge with others.
• Podcasts, also known as downloadable audio files, allow users to listen to the podcasts by downloading the files to their iPod or other portable MP3 player, or their computer.
• The website offers very concrete advice and information in what APHA considers to be a clear, user-friendly format. Specifically, the website provides a comprehensive frequently asked questions (FAQ) page which provides detailed answers to questions about pandemic and avian flu. In addition to the FAQ page, the website also includes access to materials and resources including downloadable fact sheets, a survey on preparedness and a needs calculator to help prepare for a pandemic. The site includes a specific section for publications, and includes the publication titled “A Warning Shot: Influenza and the 2004 Flu Vaccine," which details the efforts of public health officials to respond to the influenza crisis.

Health, Risk Management.

Future plans for the Get Ready Campaign include training, grassroots activities, toolkits and a calculator that will help people determine what supplies they need.

The multi-year Get Ready Campaign is part of APHA’s larger “Protect, Prevent, Live Well” movement that will enable Americans to protect themselves, their families and their communities from preventable, serious health threats. Future campaigns will focus on other pressing health issues.