Dear Fellow Lions,

I want to tell you about an exciting new Lions partnership.

In July 2007, The International Association of Lions Clubs agreed to help the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) disseminate information about large-scale or pandemic influenza (flu).

This new partnership includes my participation as one of four leaders of national non-profit organizations to appear in advertisements for HHS’ awareness campaign, Take the Lead: Pandemic Flu-Working Together to Prepare Now.

Participation in this national public health campaign is an honor for Lions clubs. This national campaign coincides with our Lions ALERT emergency preparedness program.

Last century, there were three worldwide pandemic flu outbreaks. Millions of people died. Unlike seasonal flu, humans have little - if any - immunity to a pandemic flu virus. It takes several weeks or months for public health officials to identify a pandemic flu virus strain and develop a vaccine.

As community leaders, we can participate in a pro-active pandemic flu plan. Additional information about pandemic flu appears on the HHS Web site: www.pandemicflu.gov and the United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) Web site at: www.who.org.

Lions from several US communities recently met with HHS representatives to discuss ways to develop pro-active pandemic flu plans. I want to thank these Lions for representing the Association and for eagerly agreeing to help in the development of a pro-active pandemic flu plan.

Sincerely,
Jimmy M. Ross
LCIF Chairperson