ACC Implements Plan to Protect Students, Staff from H1N1 Influenza

The Anne Carlsen Center (ACC), based in Jamestown, N.D., is taking a number of precautionary measures in response to the recent increase in H1N1 Influenza activity in the state.

The Center serves children, young adults and families affected by disabilities, providing services on its Jamestown campus and, through its Community Services, in homes and communities across the state.

"We want to do everything we can to protect the individuals we serve," says ACC Nursing Director Bette Johnson, RN. "Our staff is committed to safeguarding the health of the children and young adults who call ACC their home."

The Center, effective September 22, began prohibiting access to the campus by visitors and tour groups, only allowing family members to visit. Family members are being screened by an ACC nurse upon arrival.

Student outings to public places, including vocational training sessions, are being restricted. Staff members, however, are finding creative and safe ways to arrange outings that provide unique learning opportunities.

Outpatient clients and day students are being carefully screened for a fever of greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and a respiratory infection (such as a sore throat, cough, or runny nose) before joining other students on campus.

ACC residential clients who attend public school part- or full-time will not attend classes for the time being.

ACC formed a Pandemic H1N1 Committee this past spring, comprised of staff from each department. Since then, the Center has been working to educate employees, families, and other key audiences about H1N1, ways to help guard against it, and actions to take if a loved one becomes ill.

The committee also has developed steps that would be implemented if ACC students and/or staff contracted the illness. Those steps include ways to prevent the spread of the illness on campus, staffing strategies, ensuring adequate medical supplies, and communicating the latest updates with key audiences