The Panda McFlu Campaign Influenza Education & Outreach Suleima Salgado, MBA Director of Public Relations & Health Promotions East Metro Atlanta Health District October 11, 2010

Topics of Discussion History of Panda McFlu Objectives Marketing/Branding Community Outreach Lessons Learned Where is Panda McFlu Now?

History of Panda McFlu November – December 2005: Pandemic Influenza National Strategy issued and funds appropriated June 13, 2006: State of Georgia Pandemic Planning Summit May-August 2006: Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Pandemic Flu Summits Summer 2006: Health Educator gave a presentation at a local elementary school about Pandemic flu. At end of presentation, child asked “Now who is Panda McFlu? September 2006: Proposed using Panda McFlu as a mascot for flu education and outreach efforts

History of Panda McFlu September to October 2006: Developed objectives, song, presentation script, role and evaluation November –December 2006: Panda McFlu presentations were provided at 6 health department centers by district staff and interns

History of Panda McFlu September 2009: CDC funding was distributed. A fraction of this money was used to relaunch and expand Panda McFlu efforts September 2009: Costumes and supplies were purchased to begin outreach efforts October 2009 -March 2010: Panda McFlu made appearances at several events within the community and is now know as the “Friendly Face of Public Health” As soon as the vaccine was disseminated by the CDC and campaigns across the country began urging people to get vaccinated, Panda McFlu went into action.

Objectives for Panda McFlu Inform the community on the importance and availability of H1N1 vaccinations. Educate the community on ways to stay healthy and prevent the flu. Increase awareness of local Public Health’s vaccination efforts. Entertain children at the health centers during weekend/extended hour vaccination clinics.

Marketing/Branding

Panda McFlu Educational Song

Promotional Items Pand-Aids Coloring Books Stickers Brochures Crayons Custom Polaroid pictures w/ Panda

Community Outreach

Community Outreach

Meadowcreek High School November 2009: Approximately 2,000 vaccinations were administered during a free Saturday H1N1 clinic at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, GA. Local favorite, flu mascot Panda McFlu made an appearance and entertained the young kids. In addition, Panda stood out in front of the school with a H1N1 vaccine sign enhancing our recruiting of clients Health Centers in Lawrencville, Norcross, Buford, Conyers, and Covington offerred the vaccine during regular business hours starting in early September. Vaccinations were also made available through 2 mass vaccination clinics coordinated by local public health officials.

The Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments administed over 34,000 H1N1 vaccinations. This does not include the number of vaccine that was provided to our private medical providers to administer.

Mall of Georgia Leased a store space at mall in hopes of distributing vaccinations to people who wouldn’t normally visit a health department. Clinic was held during mall hours over two consecutive weekends and offered nasal, injectable, and thimerosal-free vaccinations. Panda McFlu walked through mall to promote clinic and vaccines.

Mall of Georgia More than 5,900 vaccinations were administered during the 2 weekends. Due to a successful media campaign and a creative location, individuals from the greater Atlanta metro area attended.

Lessons Learned Challenges: Funding source for costumes, marketing, and promotional materials to continue outreach efforts year-round. Balancing the number of requests for presentations/appearances. Clearly defining roles and responsibilities of Panda McFlu. Development of a policy guide for acceptable methods of use.

Lessons Learned Strengths: Quickly engaged the community and brought attention to local Public Health efforts. Helped ease fear of children, teens, and adults. Provided the community with a “Friend in Public Health”. Increased the public’s awareness of Public Health.

Where is Panda McFlu Now? Let’s put our hands together for a very special guest who has made appearances throughout the United States and continues to educate others on flu prevention… Let’s welcome, Panda McFlu.

Thank You! Let’s put our hands together for a very special guest who has made appearances throughout the United States and continues to educate others on flu prevention… Let’s welcome, Panda McFlu.