Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 10, 2014
Mendocino County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA)
Ebola Preparedness Response Team (EPRT)
Update
This week the HHSA EPRT received a report from the Coastal Valleys Emergency Medical Services Agency (CVEMSA) regarding their preparedness activities for Mendocino County. Their outreach to all pre-hospital providers including police and fire agencies continues to assure the maximum level of preparedness specific to the Ebola topic.
Currently a survey for their group of service providers is being conducted. The survey is to establish the level of personal preparedness equipment (PPE) that exists in the county and to identify any gaps in supplies. Once the gap analysis is completed, the information will help the county to effectively and efficiently guide any purchases of equipment. The County HHSA will be responsible for the storage of, maintenance of, training and deployment of PPE equipment regarding confirmed Ebola cases in the county.
CVEMSA has also drafted a plan for the safe transportation of any Ebola monitored individuals safely into the hospital environment for treatment. Cooperative efforts with Sonoma County in having a dedicated transport vehicle for both counties are in process and a favorable outcome for both counties is expected.
Outreach to local rural health clinics continues. HHSA EPRT members visited the Long Valley Health Clinic in Laytonville and spoke on the Ebola preparedness efforts within Mendocino County. The event was attended by doctors, nurses and other staff from the clinic and was well received. The more education around the topic of Ebola the better we are to react appropriately and safely in a suspected or confirmed case. Outreach to our rural health clinics will continue to occur.
It is important to remember that there are no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases in Mendocino County or California. The risk remains low. Mendocino County HHSA and medical facilities continue to work on preparedness and education. This readies everyone to handle events if they occur.
The State Health Director urges Californians to prepare for the flu season by getting vaccinated against this year’s flu. HHSA Public Health will be holding two walk-in flu vaccination clinics in November. One will be in Fort Bragg on November 13, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 120 W. Fir Street. The second one will be in Willits on November 17, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 221 B South Lenore Street. There is a suggested donation of $15 however no one 19 years and older will be turned away if they are unable to afford the donation. For children 0-18 years, contact your pediatrician, physician or Public Health for an appointment (707-472-2600 or 707-472-2700).
If you have questions regarding the Ebola situation in California, the CDPH has established an Ebola hotline at 1-855-421-5921 that is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
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