Pandemic Influenza Plan - Questar III

Section 9: Communications
backup to LHDs which will be the first line of contact for healthcare providers in their
jurisdictions.
NYSDOH Employees: Particularly during a pandemic period, individuals who work for
the Department will be regarded by their neighbors, friends and family as “informed
sources” of information. Providing them with timely, accurate and essential information
will create a channel for effective inter-personal communications. To foster
information/education for Department employees, PAG and risk communication staff
will partner with human resources to enhance internal communications, e.g., by
distributing print materials with paychecks, consulting with Employee Assistance
Program staff on psychosocial issues that may affect individuals’ willingness to follow
risk reduction advice, using the Emergency Contact Database, and/or other strategies as
dictated by ongoing circumstances.
Other State Agencies: NYSDOH will retain information on state agency contacts for
pandemic flu preparedness and will provide timely information to these individuals via
the Communication Directory alert and/or bulk messaging tools.
IV.
Conclusion
The public is entitled to early, accurate information that affects their health and that of
their families. All pandemic communication strategies and activities will support the
goal of enhancing public trust and confidence by announcing early, including establishing
a candid and open dialogue with the public pre-event; acknowledging uncertainty; and
withholding false reassurance. During a pandemic, emphasis will be given to providing
timely, consistent and updated communication to promote risk reduction behaviors and
accelerate outbreak control.
V. Activities by Pandemic Period
The following section describes the activities to be undertaken by pandemic period for
each objective described above.
Interpandemic and Pandemic Alert Periods
State Health Department:
• Establish and maintain partnerships with public information staff from state,
regional and local government agencies; hospitals and hospital industry
organizations and human needs organizations.
• Facilitate risk communication training opportunities for key public
information partners.
• Develop and test public information messages.
• Promote awareness of activities that will allow people to “shelter in place,” if
necessary, e.g.:
February 7, 2006 9-11