This Public Health Grand Rounds provides participants with tools to make informed decisions regarding whether or not to close schools in their jurisdictions during infectious disease outbreaks (including H1N1 influenza). Three presentations are followed by a moderated discussion with presenters and audience.
Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
* Identify challenges public health and education officials face when deciding whether schools should close during an infectious disease outbreak.
* Describe justification for closing schools during an infectious disease outbreak.
Target Audience
Educators, public health officials, students, and faculty.
Presenters
Howard Markel, MD, PhD, George E. Wantz Distinguished Professor of the History of Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, Professor of Psychiatry, Professor of History, Professor of Health Management and Policy, and Director of the Center for the History of Medicine, University of Michigan.
Eden Wells, MD, MPH, Medical Consultant and Epidemiologist, Bureau of Epidemiology, Michigan Department of Community Health.
Chris Wigent, MA, Superintendent, Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency (WCRESA).