As the media continues reporting on the health alert that has been issued about the H1N1 (swine) flu, we are continuing to monitor the situation and the latest updates closely to ensure the health and safety of the children in our care. At this time, we are continuing to restrict visitors and volunteer activities in our Continuing Care and Transitional Care Units to protect our medically fragile children. We are also asking all outpatient families and visitors to perform self-assessments and to return at another date if they are exhibiting symptoms of H1N1 virus. Please monitor this Web site for future updates.

Visitors (other than immediate family members) are continuing to be restricted in the Continuing Care and Transitional Care units. At this time, it appears that our precautionary and proactive efforts have been effective, as no children in these units are exhibiting symptoms of H1N1 flu.

The visitation restrictions will be in place throughout the weekend and will be reevaluated on Monday.  All other services and activities are continuing as scheduled, and we are continuing to communicate with the Iowa Department of Public Health to monitor the situation. Please continue to check this Web site for the latest information and updates.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced that there is now a probable case of H1N1 (swine) flu in Polk County. Due to this fact, we have increased our level of precautions here at ChildServe.

As of today, May 5, 2009:

• We will be following the advice of the IDPH and keeping children residing in the Continuing Care Unit out of school indefinitely.
• All external extracurricular activities for children residing in the Continuing Care Unit have been canceled or postponed.
• All volunteer activities in the Continuing Care or Transitional Care Units have been canceled until further notice.
• All visitors to ChildServe facilities are informed of the symptoms of the H1N1 flu and are asked to self-screen and call their health care provider if they are exhibiting symptoms.
• All staff are screened at the beginning of each shift and are not allowed to work if they are exhibiting symptoms.

All therapy and community programs are continuing as scheduled. Please continue to monitor our Web site for the most current information and updates.