As we approach the cooler seasons, it is important that we all stay ahead of the game when it comes to our health. In an effort to minimize a campus outbreak of the H1N1 influenza and other more common diseases this fall, NCCU Student Health, in coordination with the Office of Public Relations, has launched an awareness campaign. You may have seen the bright orange fliers “Got Flu” and “Wash Your Hands.”

According to Letitia Hazel, campus medical director, “It is our goal to keep everyone informed and aware that viruses can spread rather quickly on a college campus if we’re not careful.” She continued “As an added precaution, we have placed hand sanitizers in many public areas on campus such as the cafeteria and the residence halls so students, faculty, staff and visitors to the NCCU community can clean their hands several times throughout the day.”

Chancellor Nelms also emphasizes the importance of awareness and utilizing available resources like the opportunity to become vaccinated. He says “We have a heightened responsibility to not only ourselves, but our co-workers and the students to stay ahead of the curve on this.” He added, “we will have a supply of the H1N1 vaccine for students and we urge them to take advantage of it.”

Members of the NCCU community with small children and conditions such as diabetes will be on a priority list for this vaccine as well. The bright orange-colored fliers serve as a reminder of the importance of washing your hands and getting vaccinated. The fliers will be posted throughout the campus, and are available in the Office of Public Relations, Suite 118, in the William Jones Building, if you are interested in posting them on your hall, floor or office. Undergraduate students can earn community service hours for their participation in posting fliers.