With the onset of flu season, and related concerns about H1N1, many dioceses in The Episcopal Church are actively reviewing the most current data and have posted information on their websites in order to make decisions based on local practices and safety concerns in our church communities. To link to diocesan websites: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/directory.htm

Extensive information about preparing for H1N1 and other potential pandemic influenza outbreaks is available on Episcopal Relief & Development”s website www.er-d.org. This site links to strong examples of pandemic preparedness plans and offers resources that can help people to provide for congregational gathering needs should an outbreak occur. Additionally, Episcopal Relief & Development posted Planning for Pandemic Influenza, available at https://www.episcopalrelief.org/

The United States Government offers H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community and Faith-based Organizations at http://flu.gov/professional/community/cfboguidance.html Included is a section, Vulnerable and Hard-to-Reach Populations, as well as links that congregations who may serve a homeless population may find especially useful: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/homeless.htm

In times of need, the Episcopal Church remains a welcoming presence and offers comfort to all.

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 110 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org

Diocesan websites: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/directory.htm

Episcopal Relief & Development: www.er-d.org

H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community and Faith-based Organizations http://flu.gov/professional/community/cfboguidance.html

Planning for Pandemic Influenza: https://www.episcopalrelief.org/

IamEpiscopalian: http://www.iamepiscopalian.org/

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Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamepiscopalian

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