American Lung Association Unveils Regional Influenza Education Campaigns to Encourage Americans to See Themselves and Their Loved Ones Among the 'Faces of Influenza'
Posted on: Wednesday, 25 October 2006, 12:00 CDT
PHOENIX, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Lung Association's Faces of Influenza, a multi-year national public awareness initiative, aims to help Americans put a "face" on this serious disease and recognize influenza immunization as an important preventative measure to safeguard their families every year. On Wednesday, October 25, the American Lung Association of Arizona will host the Faces of Influenza Portrait Gallery -- a photo exhibition of dramatic black-and-white portraits and personal stories of famous and not-so-famous Americans, who fall into one or more of the groups recommended for immunization by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Chandler Fashion Center in Chandler, Arizona, will welcome Dean Cain, who will be available to discuss his personal experience with influenza. Additionally, influenza immunizations will be offered to the public at the event for a nominal fee.
Health officials recommend more than 200 million people receive an annual influenza vaccination; however, influenza immunization rates still fall short each year. Dean Cain has joined the Faces of Influenza initiative to share his personal experiences with the disease and to encourage influenza vaccination among target groups, such as young children and the elderly, their close contacts and health care providers.
"Despite serious health risks associated with influenza, many people, including people with chronic health problems, young children and those 50 years and older, are not getting immunized," says Norman Edelman, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association. "Two out of three Americans should be vaccinated every year, which means it's likely each one of us knows someone whose well-being, good health or life depends on getting influenza immunization each and every year."
Dean Cain, actor and asthmatic, has partnered with the Lung Association as a "face" of influenza. Cain urges families to protect themselves and their loved ones from this serious disease by getting vaccinated.
"Anyone who wants to prevent this serious respiratory illness that, along with its complications, kills an average of 36,000 people and hospitalizes 226,000 people in the U.S. every year should get vaccinated," said Cain. "It is so important to get the vaccine every year to ensure those around you stay healthy as well."
Other celebrities involved in the Faces of Influenza initiative are: Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi; Dr. Joyce Brothers, well-known psychologist and advice columnist; Joy Behar, comedian and co-host of ABC's The View; Olympic Gold Medalist Vonetta Flowers; and Actor Peter Gallagher, star of Fox's The OC.
The Lung Association is also working with everyday Americans from across the country, including two families who lost their children to influenza-one a twin boy, who died at six months of age; the other a healthy four-year-old girl. Others in the program have asthma, diabetes or other chronic medical conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One is pregnant, and participates to help to stress the importance of immunization for women who will be pregnant during influenza season. There are also photos of health care providers, who should be immunized every year.
Faces of Influenza Awareness Activities
The initiative also includes educational materials as well as national distribution of new television and radio public service announcements featuring Jean Smart, the national spokesperson, and the target groups recommended for influenza immunization. The Lung Association also has developed a new Web site, http://www.facesofinfluenza.org/, where consumers and health care providers can find more information about influenza and immunization, as well as see the photos and stories featured in the Faces of Influenza Portrait Gallery. The site also features the public service campaign as well as the Lung Association's Flu Clinic Locator (the largest online directory of public influenza clinics on the Web).
About Influenza
Influenza is a serious respiratory illness that, along with its complications, kills an average of 36,000 Americans and puts approximately 226,000 people in the hospital each year. Adults and children with a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, COPD and diabetes, are at higher risk for complications from influenza. Persons age 50 and older; pregnant women and children 6 through 59 months of age, as well as household contacts wishing to reduce their risk for contracting influenza, should also be vaccinated to help prevent influenza-related complications and the spread of this dangerous virus.
About the Flu Clinic Locator
In addition to this new campaign, the Lung Association continues to offer its Flu Clinic Locator as a public service. The Flu Clinic Locator, at http://www.lungusa.org/, is an online resource for finding influenza shots.
By typing in their 5-digit zip code, site visitors can receive a list of clinics in their area. Site visitors may also schedule reminders and sign up to receive seasonal flu news. The Flu Clinic Locator will remain active as long as public flu clinics are offered.
About the American Lung Association
Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is "Improving life, one breath at a time."
For more information
For more information about the Faces of Influenza educational initiative, visit http://www.facesofinfluenza.org/. For information about the American Lung Association of Arizona or to support the work it does, call (602) 258-7505. The American Lung Association's Faces of Influenza educational initiative is made possible through a collaboration with sanofi pasteur.
Heather Carman (212) 886-2200 (917) 916-4408 hcarman@cooneywaters.com
American Lung Association
CONTACT: Heather Carman, +1-212-886-2200, or +1-917-916-4408,hcarman@cooneywaters.com, for American Lung Association
Web site: http://www.lungusa.org/http://www.facesofinfluenza.org/
Source: PRNewswire
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