DuPage County government departments are working together to inform the general public, as well as targeted audiences, about the potential for bird flu and pandemic influenza. Information is currently being mailed to all DuPage County households.

A pre-emptive marketing communications plan titled “Pandemic Influenza. Get Informed. Be Prepared.” was outlined for the DuPage County Board at its May 23 meeting by Maureen McHugh, interim executive director of the health department.

Key elements include:

• Branding DuPage County emergency preparedness with a single county strategic theme: “Homeland Security Begins at Home.”
• A direct mail piece is being sent to all DuPage County households during May with information for all residents.
• Key preparedness messages from the federal government are being prepared for targeted populations in DuPage County.
• A single Internet link that will help DuPage County residents quickly and easily find vital information for avian flu and possible pandemic influenza.
• Outreach kits are being developed with information for the general public, schools, physicians, businesses and veterinarians. Contents would include a pandemic influenza overview, preparedness checklists, articles for newsletters and bulletins, flyers and artwork that could be used in publications and links for additional information available from the local, state and federal governments.

The public information campaign is being organized by the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the DuPage County Health Department and other DuPage County government departments including DuPage County Animal Control, DuPage County Economic Development, DuPage County Regional Office of Education, DuPage County Board and DuPage County Board of Health.