U of M program fear of flu with preparation

(March 17, 2008) -- An innovative program at the University of Minnesota is helping Minnesotans prepare for public health events and natural disasters.

The Minnesota Emergency Readiness Education & Training program (MERET) outlines proactive steps that are key to minimizing chaos and fear in the event of a crisis. MERET is a joint program with the School of Nursing and the School of Public Health in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health.

Available free-of-charge, the MERET program offers an online course titled "Personal & Family Emergency Preparedness" at www.meret.umn.edu. The course provides emergency preparation tools, including checklists available for downloading, tips on how to communicate with loved ones during a crisis, what to stockpile at home, and more. The online course covers six topics:

• A case for preparing
• An all hazards approach to disasters
• Communication
• Gathering home supplies
• Go hits & car kits
• Home care
  

Says MERET Program Director Carol O¿Boyle, R.N., Ph.D., "Having a plan in place can save lives. Our free online tools are easy to use and designed so families and individuals can craft an individualized plan based on their unique needs."

In addition to readying the general public, MERET, funded through a $2.7 million federal grant, also educates Minnesota health care workers in emergency preparedness through continuing education, including online learning courses and workshops with mock disaster exercises.

The program has trained more than 13,000 health care workers to date. For more information, visit www.meret.umn.edu.