As a major health care provider on the Peninsula, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) is taking the threat of a pandemic flu very seriously. This year, PAMF formed a Pandemic Planning Committee that meets regularly. The committee, which is comprised of various primary and specialty care physicians as well as administrators, has taken the lead in being proactive should a pandemic flu occur.

A subcommittee focused on operations is currently developing a Pandemic Flu Plan PAMF would put into place should it become necessary. In addition, PAMF is partnering with the Palo Alto Area Chapter of the American Red Cross to offer emergency preparedness training to PAMF employees. It is crucial that all PAMF employees, whether medical or administrative, take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. In the case of a pandemic flu, PAMF will need a healthy workforce to care for critical patients.

In addition to preparing internally and educating employees, PAMF is dedicated to helping the community prepare. We will continue to update the Pandemic Flu section of PAMF's Web site as new information and resources become available.