Adams State Dean of Students Ken Marquez said, "This grant will be very helpful in offsetting expenses of our H1N1 awareness campaign on campus. We are working hard to keep students, faculty, and staff members well during this flu season. We are working very closely with the Alamosa County Public Health Department to provide up-to-date notices and offer data we have collected on campus surrounding H1N1 flu."

The awareness campaign is disseminating information on preventive hygiene measures. In addition, H1N1 prevention and awareness information has been shared at meetings with large groups of faculty, staff and students. Other awareness measures include:

In addition, Marquez has written to all students, parents, and employees describing the college's preparations and offering recommendations for preventing and containing spread of the flu.

"In cooperation with Alamosa County Public Health, we will offer a free vaccination clinic on campus, once the vaccine is available," Marquez said. Finally, Adams State is updating its community via its website. Information is also available from Alamosa County Public Health, 589-6639; a government website, or by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

"We are working closely with the Alamosa County Public Health Department to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution," he added.

The college has undertaken an awareness campaign on preventive measures and is providing students with H1N1 Information Kits that include a small bottle of hand sanitizer, hand wipes, and an information card listing resources. Marquez has written to all students, parents, and employees describing the college's preparations and offering recommendations for preventing and containing spread of the flu.

Those under age 24 are considered at higher risk for both seasonal flu and H1N1, because their immune systems are less developed; college students are also at higher risk due to close, communal living conditions. Latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) do not require quarantine of infected people, but do advise those who become ill to stay home to limit spread of disease. Recommendations are that people not return to work or class until 24 hours after their symptoms have gone away. Public health officials expect a vaccine against H1N1 to be available in October, with high risk individuals receiving priority, and remind people that the vaccine requires two doses.

Adams State is updating its community via its website. Information is also available from Alamosa County Public Health, 589-6639; a government website; or by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

"As the situation changes, we will keep our campus up-to-date with e-mail notifications, the ASC Alert system, and our website," Marquez said. "We will adapt our prevention strategy as needed to assure the health of our students and staff."