Emergency department medical director, Ted Cook, M.D., who also serves as president of the hospital’s medical staff, is part of the Harvey County H1N1 taskforce that maintains a direct link with health officials at the state and federal level.

“It is a fact that people between the ages of birth and 24 and pregnant women are particularly at risk for H1N1 virus infection,” Dr. Cook said. He said that history shows us that the best way to contain the spread of a pandemic virus such as H1N1 is isolation and vaccination.

A brochure titled "Seasonal and H1N1 Flu - When to Seek Care" is now available on the KDHE H1N1 Web site at www.kdheks.gov/H1N1.

Complimentary facemasks will be available at the presentation for those families who requested them.

This public presentation is free of charge. It is offered as a public service by the Newton Public Library and Newton Medical Center.