Last week the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (WPOHSEP) attended a meeting with the the State Office of Homeland Security to discuss efforts to prepare and educate the people of our parish about H1N1 as flu season approaches.

Louisiana continues to move forward with plans to distribute the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available, prepare our state's hospitals, and educate the public on how to prevent the spread of the virus. It is important that we all receive a seasonal flu shot as well as the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available, as this will prevent residents from being faced with the prospect of two illnesses while helping to ease pressure on our providers and hospitals.  By taking additional simple steps such as sneezing or coughing into a tissue or your sleeve, washing your hands often, and staying home when sick, we can all play an important role in preventing the spread of H1N1.

The WPOHSEP will be working with parish schools, hospitals and prisons to collect and track data associated with the state's efforts to monitor the virus and plan for distribution of vaccines, when available.  We ask that individuals suspected of exposure or contraction of H1N1 seek early medical treatment and follow responsible health and reporting standards.  By working together to provide accurate information to the state as to the impact H1N1 may have, currently or in the near future, on Webster Parish, we may better position ourselves for any assistance, if needed, in fighting the spread of this virus.

For more information about the local effort, please click here.

Webster Parish Police Jury

410 Main Street  --  P.O. Box 389

Minden, LA  71058

318-377-7564  --  318-371-2366 (fax)