A Message from the Editor
December 10, 2008
Click Image to Watch the Video
December 8–14 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. CDC encourages all public health partners and their communities to get vaccinated against the flu this season. As part of this year’s campaign, CDC has posted a compelling video as a resource that partners can use for outreach and education efforts about the importance of flu vaccination.
"Why Flu Vaccination Matters: Personal Stories from Families Affected by Flu" is a short documentary featuring parents who have tragically had a child die or nearly die as a result of contracting influenza. The video carries a strong message, underscoring the fact that influenza is serious.
More than 20,000 children are hospitalized every year due to flu-related complications. Take a minute to share this important message with parents—that the flu can be serious, but you can help protect your children by vaccinating them.
The video was produced by CDC in collaboration with Families Fighting Flu (FFF), a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization made up of families and healthcare practitioners who have experienced first-hand the death of a child due to the flu, or have had a child experience severe medical complications from the flu. The video can also be viewed on CDC’s YouTube page or downloaded at www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZYitAqXCrk.
Another great tool for getting the word out is an electronic greeting card. Send an eCard to friends, family and co-workers, urging them to protect themselves against the flu with a flu vaccine.
Warm Regards,
CDC Partnerships
CDC Headlines
State Cancer Programs in Action
CDC is a leader in nationwide efforts to ease the burden of cancer. Through the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, CDC works with partners to translate research into public health programs, practices, and services. >> read the full text
Blood Supply: Improving Safety in the Caribbean and Africa
Through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, CDC works in partnership with countries to strengthen laboratory capacity, epidemiology, surveillance, public health evaluation, workforce capacity, and prevention initiatives—essential components for strong sustainable public health systems. In recognition of World AIDS Day, CDC.gov is highlighting the progress made by 14 CDC-supported African and Caribbean nations toward delivering an adequate supply of safe blood. >> read the full text
Preventing Work-Related Hazards Through Design
The Prevention through Design, spearheaded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is a national initiative that advances preventing or reducing occupational exposures, illnesses, injuries, and fatalities through the inclusion of prevention principles into all designs that impact workers. >> read the full text
Events and Seminars
All events and seminars listed are open to CDC's partners. For more information, contact the POC listed. >> read the full text
December 2008
Beckett Family Lecture: A Focus on Disabilities
December 11
Hosted by CDC, Autism Speaks and the Association of University Centers on Disability
CDC Personnel
Retirement
Edward (Lee) Petsonk, MD, medical officer, Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, NIOSH, December 5.
Beth Reese, public health analyst, Parasitic Diseases Branch, NCZVED, January 2, 2009.
Dorothy Sussman, MFA, public health advisor, Division of Laboratory Sciences, NCEH, December 31.
Personnel Changes
Christine Kosmos, BSN, MS, has been appointed as director of the Division of State and Local Readiness in the Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response, effective February 15.
Ruth Perou, PhD, has been appointed to serve a 120-day detail as CDC’s mental health coordinator, effective January 5, 2009.
Liz York, A.I.A., has been appointed CDC's chief sustainability officer.
Deaths
Stan Owens, public health advisor, Immunization Services Division, NCIRD, died November 24.
Get Informed
Emergency.CDC.gov Has a New Look!
Health and Safety Quizzes and Tools
HIV Transmission Rates in the United States (podcast)
CDC Partnership Matters: Reader's Feedback
The bi-weekly update is prepared by CDC's Division of Partnership and Strategic Alliances. Readers are welcome to comment by e-mail to cdcpartnerships@cdc.gov.
