Pandemic Flu Preparedness

Elder Russell M. Nelson represented the Church at a June 2007 forum convened by Secretary Michael Leavitt of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in D.C. to foster preparedness for a pandemic flu epidemic. Now HHS and Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide are establishing committees in nine pilot communities (in CA, DE, GA, MO, OH, SD, UT, VT, WA) to recommend how preparedness for pandemic flu can be emphasized at the local level, with meetings beginning September 17. At Ogilvy's request of Elder Nelson, the Church has assigned the respective regional welfare specialist to participate on each local committee.