HARROGATE, Tenn. — Lincoln Memorial University officials introduced the “Healthy LMU and U” campaign during the annual faculty and staff conference in August, according to a recent press release.

The “Healthy LMU and U” campaign — mainly composed of faculty members of LMU’s DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) — involves an expansive campus management plan for dealing with an H1N1 (Swine) flu outbreak, and intends to educate the campus community about H1N1 and their individual roles in the matter of prevention.

Cindy Skaruppa, Vice President for Student Services at LMU-DCOM, spoke about the campaign and discussed the importance of individual awareness in the pursuit of prevention.

“I believe it’s essential, critical” said Skaruppa. “We have worked very hard, and many of the things we’ve done is astronomical. Our campus is knowledgeable and we are prepared.”

The primary focus of the campaign centers on disease prevention and early detection. The campus community is reminded to practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing and use of alcohol-based (60 percent) hand sanitizer, and to minimize time in crowds or crowded places. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms are encouraged to stay home for seven days, or until symptoms have expired for at least 24 hours.

Individual H1N1 fact sheets have been created for campus personnel and given to every student. Pocket cards outlining flu symptoms have also been distributed around campus and these personal information sources contain key on-campus phone numbers to call if one becomes ill. Soon, masks and gloves will be available in all academic buildings for sick students in order to promote prevention.

In an August 19 press release, Vice President and Dean of LMU-DCOM Ray E. Stowers discussed the significance of proper campus planning and disease prevention procedures.

“As a campus we have been aggressive in our approach to H1N1 flu planning,” said Sowers. “With the medical school as a resource, we have been able to develop a comprehensive education plan and deploy that plan in time for the students’ return to school.”

The “Healthy LMU and U” campaign was designed to enhance the University’s existing crisis management plan. The H1N1 Task Force has met on a regular basis with both LMU and local government officials to ensure cooperation at all levels upon plan implementation.

Campaign materials are available for download at www.lmunet.edu/dcom/h1n1.shtml. The resources are available to area organizations and schools that may need assistance in their own H1N1 planning. For more information, call 1-800-325-0900, ext. 7082.

Adam Young is a staff writer for The Daily News. He can be reached by e-mail at ayoung@middlesborodailynews.com