2007 News

June 1 , 2007

Bucks County Dept of Health Stays Connected With Pandemic Flu Drill Volunteers

Last night, the Bucks County Department of Health hosted an appreciation dinner for approximately 70 volunteers who assisted with the county’s first pandemic flu drill last November, where over 3,300 flu vaccines were administered. The drill had a real-world aim to offer flu vaccines, while also testing the county’s emergency response should a pandemic create the need for mass vaccinations.

“These committed citizens who volunteered their time for the drill had a direct hand in increasing our preparedness level in Bucks County.” noted Commissioner Charles H. Martin, chairman. “That’s something they should be very proud of, and something for which my fellow commissioners, Jim Cawley and Sandy Miller, and I are grateful.”

Held in Pipersville at the Ockanickon Scout Preservation, the event’s agenda included a review of drill highlights, and a discussion about how volunteers can stay involved in emergency preparedness efforts in the county. According to the Health Department’s Public Health Epidemiologist Meredith Allen, ideas include seminars during the year on related topics such as bioterrorism. Additionally, she noted, suggestion sheets filled out by participants are currently being reviewed by Health Department officials.

Dr. Eleanor Travers, director of the Health Department, points out that more volunteers are still needed. “Both medical and non-medical volunteers who augment county staff are critical to the challenging task of providing mass vaccinations to our citizens.” Volunteers assist with a host of important roles such a administering shots, screening participants, maintaining order in the lines, and ensuring supply levels.

The county is in the initial planning stages of its next pandemic flu drill. Citizens interested in volunteering should contact the Health Department at 215-345-3318.