Pandemic Influenza Plan - Questar III

Section 9: Communications
current press releases, public service announcements and incident-specific updates will
also be posted.
Consideration will be given to sponsoring a “Media Day” to help educate journalists
about pandemic issues, pre-event.
General Public: Public information targeted to the general public will be disseminated
during Interpandemic and Pandemic Alert Periods through a variety of communication
channels:
• Via media reports generated by press releases, briefings and/or interviews;
• Via public service announcements (paid advertisements, as necessary, coupled
with donated airtime);
• Via the NYSDOH website and links to other appropriate web-based information
(e.g., websites at NYSDAM, SEMO, USDA, CDC, pandemicflu.gov);
• Through referrals to the NYSDOH public call center, as circumstances dictate.
The purpose of pre-event communications to the general public is to alert them of the
crucial role they will play in pandemic preparedness and response, and to establish a
candid and open dialogue about expected limitations on government resources during a
severe pandemic.
Elected Leaders: Information targeted to elected leaders during Interpandemic and
Pandemic Alert Periods will be disseminated through interactions coordinated by the
NYSDOH Office of Governmental Affairs. It will be especially important, pre-event, to
provide education on principles of risk communication and evidence-based best practices
for communicating with the public during an outbreak, e.g.:
• Build trust;
• Announce early;
• Be transparent;
• Respect public concerns.
Special Populations: Interpandemic and Pandemic Alert Periods public information
targeted to special populations (e.g., persons with disabilities, non-English speakers) will
use informational materials and channels most appropriate to the needs of the target
audience. To the extent possible, messages will be prepared and tested, pre-event.
NYSDOH will consult with opinion leaders to explore cultural issues that could be
relevant to pandemic communications and maintain and/or enhance communication
channels targeted at hard-to-reach SNPs such as undocumented immigrants, homeless
individuals, etc.
February 7, 2006 9-6