| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFERS TIPS FOR STANDING IN LINE AT H1N1 VACCINATION CLINICS
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohioans seeking H1N1 vaccine may find themselves standing in long lines at clinics due to large amounts of people taking part in H1N1 clinics across the state. Ohio Department of Health Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D., today urged Ohioans to be patient while standing in lines for H1N1 vaccination clinics and to bring items to help pass the time. “We appreciate the patience that Ohioans are showing while waiting in line for their H1N1 vaccination,” Jackson said. “While it may be difficult to wait in line, especially with small children, it is worth it for protection against this flu virus.” ODH recommends those attending an H1N1 vaccination clinic be prepared for the wait. Consider bringing the following: • Toys, such as bubbles, battery-operated games or books • A folding chair • Healthy snacks • Bottled water • Tissues • Comfortable shoes • Hand sanitizer It is also important for Ohioans to dress appropriately for weather conditions and take the following preventive measures to avoid spreading germs: • Wash your hands frequently; alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective if soap and water are not available. • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. • If you are sick, stay home until fever free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication. The vaccine is intended for high-risk individuals including health care workers and EMS workers who provide direct patient care; pregnant women; people who live with or care for children less than 6 months; all people 6 months to 24 years; and people 25 to 64 years with chronic medical conditions. State of Ohio EOC News Release Page 2 of 2 Local health department and hospitals may choose to vaccinate some subset of the above group depending on vaccine supply and the demographic makeup of the patients they serve. For more information about H1N1, including a list of announced clinics, visit http://www.flu.ohio.gov or contact the ODH H1N1 information line at 1-866-800-1404 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. |
November 3, 2009
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFERS TIPS FOR STANDING IN LINE AT H1N1 VACCINATION CLINICS
November 1, 2009
Athens, Ohio – Halloween Block Party
| ATHENS, OHIO – HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY MEDIA RELEASE November 1, 2009 Athens Police Department handled 50 Calls For Service. There were 51 persons arrests and processed through booking. 40 of those arrested were sent to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. City of Athens officials noted that the crowd seemed larger than past years but broke up quickly after midnight. Southeast Ohio EMS did note an increase in calls from last year, as of 3:30am EST they had responded to 53 calls with 45 persons transported to the hospital. However, most of the EMS calls were alcohol related or non-serious injuries. Of concern to law enforcement was a large fight that broke out in a rowdy crowd outside 19 South Court Street at about 2:55am EST. INCIDENTS/SIGNIFICANT CFS From 9:00pm Saturday night to 3:30am Sunday morning 7 Disorderly Conduct Incidents 8 Fight calls 9 Assaults 4 Burglary calls 2 Noise Complaints 1 Sexual Offense 1 Threat Breakdown of ARREST CHARGES (does not include street issued citations or citations by other agencies) 1 – Possession of cocaine 3 – Possession of Marijuana 2 – Open container 8 – Underage Intoxication 4 – Underage age consumption 2 – Obstruction 1 – Resisting 17 – Disorderly by Intoxication 1 – Assault 1 – Sexual Imposition 1 – False ID 2 – Misconduct The Ohio Department of Public Safety, Enforcement Division (liquor enforcement) reported that they had about 51 arrests on Friday night and 61 on Saturday night. Ohio University specific events will be reported by OhioUniversity. Mounted and most outside agency officers were released at about 3:00am EST. Numerous Athens Police officers remained on duty to assist the night shift in dealing with sporadic problems. Athens Police Lieutenant Harvey may be available on Sunday from 7:00am to 3:00pm to answer any questions at (740) 592-3315. Questions regarding OhioUniversity may be addressed to Renea Morris, Executive Director of University Communications and marketing at (740) 593-2363. Police Chief Rick Mayer will be available from 8:00am to 9:00am on Monday, November 3 to answer questions at (740) 592-3315. |
October 16, 2009
Pre-registering to receive H1N1 vaccine
Dear Local Health Department Partners,
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has a new Web address for Ohioans to use when pre-registering to receive H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available in their areas. The new address is http://www.flu.ohio.gov.
ODH’s main Web address – http://www.odh.ohio.gov – can still be used to access the same information; the new site simply makes it easier for users.
Sincerely,
Alvin D. Jackson, M.D.
Director of Health
October 14, 2009
ATHENS COUNTY RESPONDERS ASSIST WITH TERRORISM EXERCISE
The Athens County Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the Ohio National Guard’s 52nd Weapons of Mass Destruction, Civil Support Team, (52nd CST) will be holding a terrorism preparedness exercise on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. The exercise will be held in the Nelsonville area at 15600 Wolfe-Bennett Road and on the campus of Hocking College. The 52nd CST will be assisted at the exercise by public safety personnel from around Athens and Hocking Counties.
The training exercise will be taking place between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M., and is an essential part in testing the terrorism response capabilities in Ohio and Athens County, while providing the best possible safety services for our residents.
Residents are also asked to be aware that during the exercise, you may see considerable emergency response activity in the Nelsonville and Hocking College area. This may include the potential for members of emergency service agencies to exercise their capability to warn residents of a potential emergency situation. This could be accomplished by using a public address system, door-to-door notification, or the use of telephone calling systems. If you are located in a vulnerable area to the scenario, then you may receive any or all of these warnings in the form of “This is an exercise.”
Exercising is the principal means of testing the state and county’s ability to implement its terrorism response procedures. It allows emergency personnel to practice their procedures and interact with other agencies in a controlled setting, which improves the overall emergency management and response system.
The 52nd Weapons of Mass Destruction, Civil Support Team is one of 57 National Guard teams established under a Presidential Directive. Every state and territory has a joint force, Army and Air Guard, Civil Support Team. Each team is comprised of 22, full-time members highly trained in various fields of expertise. Located at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, the 52nd is poised for a state or national deployment by air, ground or sea.
For an exercise of this scale to be fully effective it also takes the co-operation and participation of the public. Any persons wanting more information on the exercise may contact EMA Director Fred Davis at 740-594-2261.
June 27, 2009
Athens, Ohio 4th of July Firworks July 3rd
ATHENS POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS RELEASE
June 26, 2009
Fourth of July Fireworks on Friday, July 3rd, 2009
With the City’s fireworks display fast approaching and the U.S. 50 construction taking place, motorists and fireworks viewers need to be aware of several issues that may impact on them. These issues include:
No parking on U.S. 50 in the construction area. This is a serious safety concern as the roadway is narrow and construction equipment, materials, and excavations are present. ODOT will be placing lit billboards in the area to alert drivers that parking is prohibited. The State Highway Patrol will be working the area.
U.S. 50 West access from the east end of E. State Street is closed. Drivers wishing to access U.S. 50 West and U.S. 33 will need to drive west towards town and access these highways from the U.S. 33 ramps by Applebee’s and Bob Evans. Plan your exit route ahead of time.
Parking on E. State Street. Drivers are cautioned to be aware that some lots may be posted for restricted parking. Make sure you are parked in an allowed space before exiting and leaving your vehicle to walk to a fireworks viewing location. Remember that you can park farther away and use the bike path to walk to areas for viewing the fireworks, or bicycle into the area.
Bicycle Path. Expect a higher traffic volume on the bike path. Sit or stand off to the sides of the bike path so that you don’t create a hazard for yourself or persons and bikes traveling on the path, even during the fireworks.
Fireworks launch area. This SAFETY area will be roped or otherwise marked off. For SAFETY reasons, only authorized fireworks personnel are permitted within the launch area. Persons that disregard the safety area may be arrested.
Traffic delays. We expect there to be more traffic congestion than normal for a 4th of July fireworks display. Expect delays. Take your time and don’t be in a hurry to exit the area. Be alert to traffic stoppages and merging traffic.
City and State law enforcement personnel will be on duty to oversee the event and related traffic.
June 25, 2009
Athens County Disaster Animal Response Team to Hold Public Meeting July 1st
The Athens County Disaster Animal Response Team, (DART) working with the Athens County Emergency Management Agency will be holding an informational meeting that is OPEN and FREE to the public on Wednesday, July 1, 2009. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm at the Athens Public Library located at 30 Home Street in Athens.
This presentation is intended to introduce Athens County DART to the community and to acquaint the public with disaster preparedness for animals and pets, and with the DART organization. Persons interested in being a part of Athens County DART are encouraged to attend. The organization is in need of person interested in volunteering with the organization.
June 20, 2009
Athens County Hosts Three Major July 4th Fireworks Displays
June 19, 2009
Water and natural gas leak temporarily closes streets in Nelsonville.
The Nelsonville Division of Fire was dispatched at 12:28 am to 1081 Poplar Street to assist the Nelsonville Water Department at a major water leak. While working on a 6 inch water main a natural gas service line was damaged and leaking. The Nelsonville Fire Department and Street Department closed streets near the intersection of Poplar Street and Hopkins Street to establish a safety zone around the area.
Columbia Gas responded to the scene with an emergency crew to repair the natural gas leak, but had to standby on scene until the Water Department was able to control the leaking 6 inch water main. Fire Department and Columbia Gas crews monitored the area for natural gas levels, but levels remained safe during the entire operation. Both leaks were controlled and streets reopened by 3:30 am. No injuries were reported to any workers or the public.
June 11, 2009
World Health Organization: Swine flu pandemic has begun, 1st in 41 years
GENEVA (AP) – The World Health Organization declared a swine flu pandemic Thursday — the first global flu epidemic in 41 years — as infections in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and elsewhere climbed to nearly 30,000 cases.
The long-awaited pandemic announcement is scientific confirmation that a new flu virus has emerged and is quickly circling the globe. WHO will now ask drugmakers to speed up production of a swine flu vaccine. The declaration will also prompt governments to devote more money toward efforts to contain the virus.
WHO chief Dr. Margaret Chan made the announcement Thursday after the U.N. agency held an emergency meeting with flu experts. Chan said she was moving the world to phase 6 — the agency’s highest alert level — which means a pandemic, or global epidemic, is under way.
“The world is moving into the early days of its first influenza pandemic in the 21st century,” Chan told reporters. “The (swine flu) virus is now unstoppable.”
On Thursday, WHO said 74 countries had reported 28,774 cases of swine flu, including 144 deaths. Chan described the virus as “moderate.” According to WHO’s pandemic criteria, a global outbreak has begun when a new flu virus begins spreading in two world regions.
The agency has stressed that most cases are mild and require no treatment, but the fear is that a rash of new infections could overwhelm hospitals and health authorities — especially in poorer countries.
Still, about half of the people who have died from swine flu were previously young and healthy — people who are not usually susceptible to flu. Swine flu is also crowding out regular flu viruses. Both features are typical of pandemic flu viruses.
The last pandemic — the Hong Kong flu of 1968 — killed about 1 million people. Ordinary flu kills about 250,000 to 500,000 people each year.
Swine flu is also continuing to spread during the start of summer in the northern hemisphere. Normally, flu viruses disappear with warm weather, but swine flu is proving to be resilient.
The decision might have been made much earlier if WHO had more accurate information about swine flu’s rising sweep through Europe. Chan said she called the emergency meeting with flu experts after concerns were raised that some countries like Britain were not accurately reporting their cases.
After Thursday’s meeting, Chan said the experts agreed there was wider spread of swine flu than what was being reported.
Chan would not say which country tipped the world into the pandemic, but said all countries and experts were agreed that it was time to declare a global outbreak.
WHO said it was now recommending that flu vaccine makers start making swine flu vaccine. Drug giant GlaxoSmithKline PLC said they could start large-scale production of pandemic vaccine in July but that it would take several months before large quantities would be available.
Many health experts say WHO’s pandemic declaration could have come weeks earlier but the agency became bogged down by politics. In May, several countries urged WHO not to declare a pandemic, fearing it would cause social and economic turmoil.
“This is WHO finally catching up with the facts,” said Michael Osterholm, a flu expert at the University of Minnesota who has advised the U.S. government on pandemic preparations.
Despite WHO’s hopes, Thursday’s announcement will almost certainly spark panic about spread of swine flu in some countries.
Fear has already gripped Argentina, where thousands of people worried about swine flu flooded into hospitals this week, bringing emergency health services in the capital of Buenos Aires to the brink of collapse. Last month, a bus arriving in Argentina from Chile was stoned by people who thought a passenger on it had swine flu.
Chile has the most swine flu cases in South America, and the southern hemisphere is moving into its winter flu season.
In Hong Kong on Thursday, the government ordered all kindergartens and primary schools closed for two weeks after a dozen students tested positive for swine flu — a move that some experts would consider an overreaction. The decision affected over half a million students.
In the United States, where there have been more than 13,000 cases and at least 27 deaths from swine flu, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the move would not change how the U.S. tackled swine flu.
“Our actions in the past month have been as if there was a pandemic in this country,” Glen Nowak, a CDC spokesman, said Thursday.
The U.S. government has already taken steps like increasing availability of flu-fighting medicines and authorizing $1 billion for the development of a new vaccine against the novel virus. In addition, new cases seem to be declining in many parts of the country, U.S. health officials say, as North America moves out of its traditional winter flu season.
Still, New York City reported three more swine flu deaths Thursday, including one child under 2.
In Mexico, where the epidemic was first detected, the outbreak peaked in April. Mexico now has less than 30 cases reported a day, down from an average of 300, Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova told The Associated Press. Mexico has confirmed 6,337 cases, including 108 deaths.
Cordova said he is concerned that other countries are not taking drastic measures to stop its spread like Mexico, which closed schools, restaurants, theaters, and canceled public events after the government detected the epidemic in late April.
Many experts said the declaration of a pandemic did not mean the virus was getting deadlier.
“People might imagine a virus is now going to rush in and kill everyone,” said John Oxford, a professor of virology at St. Bart’s and Royal London Hospital. “That’s not going to happen.”
But Oxford said the swine flu virus might evolve into a more dangerous strain in the future. “That is always a possibility with influenza viruses,” he said. “We have to watch very carefully to see what this virus does.”
June 2, 2009
ATHENS COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO HOLD FUNCTIONAL TRAINING EXERCISE
The Athens County Emergency Management Agency is scheduled to hold a functional training exercise on Thursday, June 4th. The training exercise will be conducted at the county emergency operations center located at 13 West Washington Street in Athens.
The training exercise will be taking place between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M., and is an essential part in testing the response capability within the county, while providing the best possible safety services for our residents.
Exercising is the principal means of testing a county’s ability to implement its response procedures. It allows people to practice their procedures and interact with other agencies in a controlled setting, which improves the overall emergency management system.
The exercise is based on large scale flooding across Athens and surrounding counties. The objectives that will be achieved by this exercise include: Emergency Operations Center Management, Restoration of Lifelines, Public Safety and Security Response, Emergency Public Information and Warning, and Mass Care.
For an exercise of this scale to be fully effective also takes the participation by the public. Any persons wanting more information on the exercise may contact EMA Director Fred Davis at 740-594-2261.
