H1N1 kits heading to First Nations communities

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This article was published 07/10/2009 (6165 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG — The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is shipping the first of 15,500 flu-preparedness kits to First Nations communities today.

Shipments are going all over Manitoba by bush plane and truck.

Each kit, designed to help a family cope with an H1N1 outbreak, includes hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, Tylenol for infants, children and adults, and a flexible digital thermometer.

“Typically, a shipment of this magnitude would take months to accomplish. We’ve made it happen in weeks,” said Grand Chief Ron Evans of the AMC.

Manitoba’s First Nations were the hardest hit by the outbreak of H1N1 flu last spring. The AMC said it is taking a proactive stance on community care for the fall.

The flu kits, paid for by the province and private donations, include information on caring for a child with a fever and self-care for flu patients.

The AMC said the kits and medical information may ease the demand on health-care facilities that were overwhelmed when H1N1 broke out in First Nations communities earlier this year.