With thanks to Jen Wilding, of KC Consensus...The A-H1N1 flu has not been declared, and may never be declared, a pandemic . This flu outbreak does, however, raise questions about what each of us can do to prepare for pandemic influenza. We have the opportunity to use our raised awareness for our benefit and that of our community by learning more and doing some basic work to prepare.
In 2006-2007, One KC Voice and Consensus engaged hundreds of citizens in planning for pandemic flu. The information created during that process can help all of us, as leaders in our neighborhoods, churches, or businesses, to be prepared. Three valuable documents are available at www.consensuskc.org by clicking on “Pandemic Flu: Preparation is not panic” on the home page.
The final report of Pandemic Flu Citizen Engagement: Engaging citizens for greater public health worked with four local health departments and 23 groups to hold meetings with citizens around the metro. The report identifies important steps for action that individuals and institutions should take at different stages in a pandemic flu situation. The report is valuable for people who have responsibility for a group.
Food & supplies checklist. This is a comprehensive list, with tips for people who have never created a stockpile before, drawn from credible sources. The list is also included in the pandemic flu final report, in Appendix D.
Influenza Pandemic Preparation and Response: A Citizen’s Guide. The best guide for individuals. Download it and keep it on hand. It has how-to information for various aspects of a pandemic flu crisis.
One KC Voice is an alliance of nonprofit organizations, led by the Mid-America Regional Council, which seeks to engage citizens in important issues. Consensus is a founding member of One KC Voice, and is celebrating its 25th year of putting the public in public policy on behalf of the local community and clients around the U.S. 
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