MPH Program Develops Volunteer Infrastructure for Campus H1N1 Response

    The Master of Public Health program is playing an integral role in the University of Memphis’ preparedness and response to the H1N1 virus. As a member of the campus’ Crisis Management Team, Dr. Marian Levy helped design and implement a tabletop exercise in early August 2009 to enhance the University’s capability to respond to an anticipated outbreak of the H1N1 virus.

    Once the potential of the H1N1 pandemic was realized in September, the campus Emergency Response Team mobilized their infrastructure for vaccine distribution and assisted President Raines in providing risk communication to encourage respiratory and hand hygiene, staying home when sick, faculty use of distance learning modalities, and other social distancing measures.

    As the Crisis Management Team (led by Mr. Shelby Slater) refined their plan to administer vaccine, the MPH Program took responsibility for developing an infrastructure for recruiting, training, and mobilizing non-medical volunteers to assist with H1N1 vaccine distribution on campus. Two MPH students who had completed their Practicum work with the Office of Emergency Preparedness at the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, Jennifer Ransom and Chee Lam, played key roles in helping coordinate the volunteer response. During their MPH Practicum, Ms. Ransom and Mr. Lam developed a mass immunization model for the University of Memphis. Capitalizing on this experience, they initiated a web-based volunteer recruitment format and database.

    Working with University administration, Dr. Levy and the students used email to recruit approximately 200 students, faculty, and staff volunteers within a four-day period. Chee Lam constructed the web-based recruitment format and maintains the database. Jennifer Ransom took responsibility for developing the volunteer orientation and training. Both participated in the training sessions. Ms. Shirl Sharpe provided support for the trainings. As of November 1, we have trained 103 students, faculty and staff. The University is awaiting the arrival of H1N1 vaccine from the Tennessee Department of Health.

    It is critical to note that the H1N1 response planning is a team effort, involving many disciplines and departments of the University. While the School of Public Health spearheads the non-medical volunteer component, the overall vaccine distribution effort is coordinated by Shelby Slater, Emergency Response Coordinator. Dr. Wayne Capooth, Medical Director of Student Health Services, has primary responsibility for the vaccine distribution. Dr. Marjorie Luttrell, Joy Hoffman, and Peggy Savage of the Loewenberg School of Nursing coordinate the nursing faculty and students who will administer the vaccine. Al Simpson of Environmental Health and Safety oversees the equipment and supplies. Curt Guenther manages the communication aspect of the H1N1 preparedness and response. Kevin Langelier of Police Services oversees security aspects. Ann Harbor of Academic Affairs is the liaison with the Provost. Sheri Lipman and Melanie Murry of the Office of Legal Counsel serve as advisors. The Finance office plays an important role.

In summary, the University’s H1N1 response reflects the multidisciplinary approach of Public Health and demonstrates the superb coordination in our common goal to protect the health of our campus.