For Immediate Release
Get Ready Day Emphasizes Need to Prepare for All Disasters
Statement by Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP,
FACEP, (E), executive director of American Public Health Association
Washington, D.C., September 21, 2010 – “Today, we observe APHA’s fourth annual Get Ready
Day, an opportunity to remind all Americans about the importance of emergency
preparedness, which is a critical component to building stronger, healthier, more
resilient communities.
“Health disasters can pose
a real and present danger to not only a community but to an entire nation. Last
year’s H1N1 flu outbreak should be a wake-up call to all of us to take basic steps
toward protecting ourselves, family and friends from a health emergency.
“In recognition of Get
Ready Day today, every person should reflect on how truly prepared they and
their family are if a hurricane, tornado or even flu pandemic were to strike. Then,
take action to safeguard yourself and loved ones from a disaster by getting a
flu shot, establishing an emergency evacuation plan and building a stockpile.”
The Get Ready campaign,
sponsored by the American Public Health Association, helps Americans prepare
themselves, their families and their communities for all disasters and hazards,
including pandemic flu, infectious disease, natural disasters and other
emergencies. Learn more at www.aphagetready.org
For more about APHA, visit
www.apha.org.
# # #
Founded in 1872, the APHA is the oldest, largest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world. The association aims to protect all Americans and their communities from preventable, serious health threats and strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States. APHA represents a broad array of health providers, educators, environmentalists, policy-makers and health officials at all levels working both within and outside governmental organizations and educational institutions. More information is available at www.apha.org.