Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Launches H1N1 Outreach Effort with Minneapolis and Saint Paul Publ...( MINNEAPOLIS and ST....),Health

MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help students and teachers stay healthy during this influenza season, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota will distribute 15,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to more than 120 Minneapolis and St. Paul K-12 public schools starting Wednesday, September 23. Additionally, Children's will provide informational newsletters in both English and Spanish to schools, and to the general public through www.Childrensmn.org/flu. The newsletters will include influenza facts, advice about preventing the spread of H1N1, vaccination information and advice direction about what families should do if someone gets sick.

"We want to make sure families are getting good information to help them stay healthy," said Patricia Stinchfield, RN, director of pediatric infection disease and immunology infection control, Children's. "By working with the schools we hope families will understand that H1N1 is not a reason to panic. There are easy steps to take to reduce the risk of getting sick, and the vast majority of people who do get sick simply need rest and liquids."

All Minneapolis and Saint Paul public schools will receive bottles of hand sanitizer that teachers can keep on their desks for use. The bottles will not only help prevent the spread of the virus, but will raise awareness in class of the need to take precautions and do their part to stay healthy.

"MPS has been preparing for the onset of influenza season and have taken measures to ensure that students, staff and families are educated and know the best ways to prevent getting sick and manage flu symptoms," said Carmen Teskey, MPS Nursing Service Manager. "We are grateful that Children's Hospital is donating hand sanitizer to our schools, so that we may help prevent
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