Pandemic Flu

How You Can Prepare:
Faith-Based & Community Organizations

Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and community organizations serve the many. In an influenza pandemic, health departments may recommend that public gatherings such as worship services be limited to reduce the spread of disease. Other operations that support those in need—such as child care centers, soup kitchens, food pantries and free clinics—will also be faced with disruptions.

Religious and community-based organizations play a key role in a pandemic by:

• helping to protect the health of their staff and people they serve
• looking out for those who do not have support networks (the elderly, those who live alone, etc.)
• making sure those in need are connected to resources

Planning Resources

www.pandemicflu.gov
Department of Health and Human Services. Planning checklist for:

• churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.
• social service agencies
• community organizations

Take the Lead
Department of Health and Human Services, and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Planning and community organizing toolkit for community leaders.

Pandemic Influenza Preparedness for Faith-Based Organizations
Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN). Download free course materials designed to teach leaders, staff and volunteers of faith-based organizations about pandemic planning.

Page updated May 13, 2008