Community Connect
Welcome to the seventh edition of Family and Community Services' e-newsletter.
ISSUE 7 • JULY 2009
E-news from Family and Community Services
Pandemic Planning for Community Organisations
A new document has been published to help community-based organisations cope with health and business risks created by an influenza pandemic. Family and Community Services created the document to help social services prepare and respond to a pandemic outbreak.
The resource, called Being Prepared for an Influenza Pandemic: Information for Community Organisations, has practical information about responding to an influenza pandemic – both as an individual and from an organisational perspective. It was produced in consultation with the NGO community and the Ministry of Health and also draws on information shared by Barnardos.
Family and Community Services Deputy Chief Executive Richard Wood says that while many organisations already have comprehensive plans developed for their organisation, there are some that do not.
"This resource is not intended to replace existing plans, but support those who do not have one; bringing advice together about the best ways to access information about how you and your organisation can cope with the pandemic," he says. "Our resource encourages community organisations to think about the needs of their staff, clients and, of course, themselves."
Mr Wood said that while the primary source of pandemic information is the Ministry of Health website, other government departments, such as the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Economic Development. All provide good information to help organisations plan for an influenza pandemic, or any emergency.
