Brenda McGraw (KD0EDJ), the emergency management coordinator for Mercy Hospital, and A.J. Mumm, Polk County emergency manager, will address the H1N1 flu threat. The presentation will include an update, protection and preparedness tips as well as the mission of Polk County Emergency Management and their role during a health emergency.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kevin Sanders, DMRAA Public Information Coordinator, (515) 770-7332
kevin at k0dsm.com

DES MOINES, Iowa — Area emergency management officials will be on hand at the next Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association (DMRAA) meeting on Tuesday, September 22 to discuss preparedness for the expected comeback of the H1N1 influenza virus.

Polk County Emergency Management Coordinator A.J. Mumm and Mercy Hospital Emergency Management Coordinator Brenda McGraw (KD0EDJ) will address the threat, explain EMA’s role during a public health emergency and provide tips on how to protect yourself and others from the flu. The role of emergency amateur radio operation during a health emergency will also be explained. The 50-minute presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the public.

“The information to be presented is both relevant and timely given the scope and severity that is possible from the H1N1 strain,” DMRAA President Tom Reis said. “Our amateur radio services could prove vital and our understanding of the threat vital as well.”

The meeting will be hosted by the DMRAA on Tuesday, September 22 at 7 p.m. in the Waveland Hall of the Plymouth Congregational Church on the corner of 42nd and Ingersoll in Des Moines (map). The meeting is free and open to the public.

ABOUT THE DES MOINES RADIO AMATEURS’ ASSOCIATION
The Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association, a non-profit organization and one of the oldest amateur radio clubs in the midwest, was established to conduct its programs and activities to advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio in the community. The club regularly hosts programs, activities and exercises and maintains radio communication systems to benefit the community. For more information on the DMRAA, visit the club website at https://dmraa.com/.