Avian flu pandemic planning for the Minnesota State system
Coming to grips with the uncertainty about the spread of the avian flu and the potential risk it could pose is a challenge for college and university administrators.
Minnesota government officials are planning for the possibility of an avian flu pandemic. The state's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has been assigned lead responsibility for developing guidelines and planning protocols, and state agencies are working on their pandemic planning.
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system has begun a planning effort with a goal of having a system plan substantially completed by June 30, 2006. Each college and university also is expected to have a plan in place.
Laura King, vice chancellor and chief financial officer, is heading up avian flu planning efforts in the Office of the Chancellor. Six committees are being formed with responsibility for overall coordination, academic administration, communications, operations, health care and facilities. Each committee will include Office of the Chancellor and campus representatives.
"The national literature suggests that we could be in a 'pre-pandemic' stage for the remainder of this year and at least part of next year," King said. "We hope that the planning process will be completed well in advance of any need to activate the plans."
Campuses already have emergency response plans in place that can form the basis of an avian flu pandemic plan, King said.
Planning meeting information
View planning meeting information and related communications
February 2007 updates now available
Documents and presentations
Pandemic Avian Flu Planning - Overview of system and college and university planning (October 2006)
Presented by Laura M. King, Vice Chancellor - CFO, on October 18, 2006, to the Finance/Facilities Committee of the Board of Trustees
System Pandemic Avian Flu Planning presentation (8-15-06)
Presented by Laura M. King, Vice Chancellor - CFO, on August 15, 2006, at the State Higher Education Executive Officers Professional Development Conference
Additional resources
Several state and national sources are available to help develop avian flu plans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is preparing a checklist for colleges and the state health department has information available on its Web site.
For more information, visit the following Web sites:
Center for Disease Control travel information
Human Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus Advice for travelers
Minnesota Department of Health site
Planning guide for individuals and families
Recommendations for personal protective equipment
U.S. government avian flu site
World Health Organization's avian influenza page
Trust for America's Health "Pandemic Flu and You" resource center
