Facing a Public Health Challenge: H1N1

Prior to the start of the Fall 2009 semester, many campuses were actively engaged with planning for a potential HINI outbreak. On September 14, 2009, the SUNY Office of University Life and Enrollment management hosted a symposium titled Facing a Public Health Challenge: H1N1.

The agenda for the symposium focused on planning for and responding to a public health emergency such as pandemic flu. Representatives from the CDC, the American College Health Association, and the New York State Department of Health shared information with participants regarding HINl, and representatives from SUNY campuses and SUNY System Administration led discussions that provided participants with theoretical challenges and operational answers.

Information and presentations provided at the symposium included:

• Facing a Public Health Challenge: H1N1  
• Public Health Emergency Template  
• Pandemic Flu Guidance Documents  
• Public Fact Sheet – Control of Pandemic Flu Virus on Environmental Surfaces in Homes and Public Places
• Nuts & Bolts: Campus Best Practices
• Communications Related to H1N1 Influenza: Getting the Message Out
• Residence Life Preparations for Management of H1N1 Cases
• Managing a Complex Event
• Environmental Infection Control
• Novel H1N1: Infection Prevention
• GOER Pandemic Flu Planning Advisory
• Imation LOCK User Manual
• Current Situation & Challenges for Fall 2009
• Distribution of Vaccines and Antiviral Medications

On behalf of the State University, I would like to thank the following groups, who provided financial support for the symposium: Council of Chief Student Affairs Officers; Council of SUNY Community College Chief Student Affairs Officers; and the University Police Chief's Association. Thank you as well to all who attended the symposium and for all the work your campuses are doing to promote and protect the health and safety of our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Edward Engelbride
Senior Assistant Provost