Nonprofit and community service organizations assist those in need in many ways. During an influenza pandemic, the need for services will likely outweigh the number of volunteers who may be at home sick or caring for sick family members. That is why preparing for a pandemic is crucial.
Nonprofit and community service organizations should consider how a pandemic could affect their work. Health care professionals and emergency responders are determining answers to these and other questions:
* People may be asked to avoid large gatherings or remain in their homes as a way to slow the spread of disease. How will essential services continue while keeping volunteers and those in need safe?
* Supply chains may break down. Are there goods you can procure in advance to help respond to community needs during an influenza pandemic?
* Hospitals may quickly reach surge capacities. Do your services involve caring for people who may turn to your organization if hospitals overflow?
Public health experts are using the 1918 outbreak of influenza as a worst-case scenario for planning purposes. Planning for a worst-case emergency can help an organization better prepare for any emergency.
Historic Activities of the Red Cross
The Red Cross is well known for its role in emergency services. It urges individuals to prepare for emergency situations; and during a disaster its members and volunteers provide shelter, food and recovery services for victims.
During the 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic, the Red Cross distributed gowns and masks to families visiting ill soldiers. Soldiers were one of the most affected populations during the 1918 pandemic because the virus spread quickly in the close quarters of military bases.
This excerpt from The Great Influenza by John M. Barry details some of the work of the Red Cross:
The Red Cross did not get government funds or direction, although it was working in close concert with the government. Nor was its charge to care for the public health. Yet, it had already allocated money to fight the epidemic and had begun organizing its own effort to do so-and do so on a massive scale. Its nursing department had already begun mobilizing “Home Defense Nurses.” The Red Cross had divided the country into thirteen divisions, and the nursing committee chief of each one had already been told to find all people with any nursing training. It had already instructed each division to form at least one mobile strike force of nurses to be ready to go to areas most in need. And before anyone within the government sought aid, the War Council of the Red Cross had designated a “contingent fund for the purpose of meeting the present needs in coping with the epidemic of Spanish influenza.”
The Red Cross was in its early years during the 1918 influenza pandemic. Its leaders focused on recruiting nurses and distributing supplies. The organization’s duties have grown greatly since then. The Red Cross is a prime example of an organization that may see an increase in need and a decrease in volunteers during a pandemic. With many scientists warning of the eventuality of another influenza pandemic, the Red Cross is looking at its services in a different way.
Current Planning Process
As during the 1918 pandemic, the Red Cross of Greater Columbus is in the process of identifying funding sources. Determining funding sources ahead of time allows nonprofit organizations to better focus on caring for members of the community during a potential pandemic.
The Red Cross often serves large numbers of people in close quarters by providing shelter during an emergency situation. During a pandemic, people may be urged to avoid large gatherings. The Red Cross is determining alternatives to the mass sheltering used in other emergency situations.
Providing food to victims of disaster is another critical Red Cross service. In a pandemic, bringing people together for meals will not be recommended. The Red Cross is determining the feasibility of house-by-house delivery. It is also considering taking food to distribution points at churches recommended by their partners at Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD).
Distribution locations that can be monitored to keep people a safe distance from one another is another way the Red Cross may distribute needed supplies during a pandemic. The Red Cross recognizes the importance of communicating critical information with state and local health departments.
Planning Partners
The Red Cross of Greater Columbus has begun meeting with many organizations in the community to aid in the planning process. Key partners in this planning process include VOAD, the Columbus Health Department, Franklin County Board of Health, Ohio Department of Health as well as local emergency management agencies.
Call for Community Organization Highlights
If your organization is planning for a potential pandemic and would like to share activities, send submissions to Sara Morman or call her at (614) 644-8562.
Last updated August 29, 2006
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