Campus News

Campus preparation for H1N1 Virus

May 1, 2009

Members of the campus community: 

Over the past few days, you have received information via several emails from Simpson’s Office of Health Services regarding the current status of the H1N1 Virus, which also is being called the Swine Flu. Rita Audlehelm and Cindy Teasdale, our campus nurses, are monitoring this situation and working closely with Warren County Public Health officials.   
 
I also wanted to let you know other ways that the college is responding to the situation. Yesterday, the campus crisis management team met and reviewed its procedures that are in place to keep the campus community safe and informed in the event of an emergency. Members of this team present yesterday included representatives from the offices of Student Development, Business Office, Campus Services, Food Services, Human Resources, Health Services, Security, and Public Relations. The group is reviewing the college’s emergency preparedness plan, already in place, as well as how we will communicate with campus and other constituent groups.
 
Safety measures are already taking place. Yesterday, the college purchased and distributed hand-sanitizing gel in many common areas on campus. In addition, the food service and housekeeping staffs are taking added safety measures. The crisis management committee will meet on a regular basis and work to ensure the college is taking all appropriate safety measures.
 
Of course the most important thing you can do is take care of yourself, including frequent hand washing. A good source of information is the Simpson Health Services Web page, which also has links to other important sites such as the Center for Disease Control and the Iowa Department of Public Health. I urge you to visit the site often, as it includes an explanation of the virus, simple instructions on how to protect yourself, and steps to take if you think you have the virus.
 
The college will continue to monitor the situation and will inform the campus if there are significant concerns or additional precautions advised regarding the H1N1 Virus.
 
If you have questions or comments related to health issues please feel free to contact the campus health service office at ext. 1604. If you have other questions or comments feel free to contact me.  
Thanks,
 
Jim Thorius
Vice President for Student Development

Last Updated: 5/1/09