The Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Education (MDE) have partnered to purchase some essential influenza supplies. We are packaging these into “influenza kits” which will contain the following:

• Either one digital ear thermometer or disposable forehead thermometers
• 120 disposable single-use sleeves if you receive a digital thermometer
• 200 over-the-ear face masks

In the coming weeks, MDCH will be shipping to each superintendent one influenza kit for each school building. Superintendents are being asked to distribute these kits to the schools in their districts.

In addition to the influenza kits, MDCH and MDE have also developed infection control posters for each school. The posters were designed to be age appropriate for elementary, middle, and high school audiences—and will be delivered directly to all Intermediate School Districts, Local Education Agency schools, Public School Academies, Nonpublic Schools, ancillary facilities, and State of Michigan facilities. You can view the school posters, and other important H1N1 influenza information, at the state’s H1N1 influenza website: www.michigan.gov/h1n1flu.

Contact the Office of Public Health Preparedness’ risk communication team at (517) 353-8150 with questions.