Community and faith-based organizations have a special role to play in preventing the spread of H1N1 and educating the public, said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. They are often the very first resource that members of a community seek out in times of need, and are uniquely positioned in communities to provide information and offer help and services.

The new guide, which is available for download at flu and www.hhs/partnership or in hard copy from the Department of Health and Human Services, highlights ways organizations can contribute to flu response efforts by:

Communicating health information effectively and quickly in a culturally relevant and trustworthy manner; Supporting vaccination efforts by encouraging people to get seasonal and 2009 H1N1 vaccinations according to federal recommendations and offering buildings and resources for vaccination distribution; Linking vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations to vital information and resources; and Expanding and adjusting organizational activities to help people stay healthy ”for example, by supporting school-based flu response through child-care and youth programs, and ensuring healthy work environments for staff and volunteers.

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