The Hygienic Laboratory will hold its Fall Professional Forum beginning Oct. 12 in six locations across the state to update laboratory staff and other public health professionals on preparedness issues. Registration is required, but there is no cost for the program.

Bev Pennell

Topics for the fifth annual event include, "Influenza and Pandemic Flu," "Is it a Pathogen?" and "MRSA Screening."

"We conduct the Fall Forum so that we can interact directly with public health staff," said Beverly Pennell, Hygienic Laboratory emergency response and terrorism preparedness coordinator. "They learn about recent changes in testing for diseases and for other unknown substances. Also they provide us feedback on the types of training that would be beneficial to help them prepare for an outbreak or an emergency event."

Many of the past participants are on staff at one of Iowa's 143 sentinel laboratories, which are associated with clinics, hospitals and public health departments. These often are the first facilities to see disease outbreaks, and would likely be the first to receive cases during an emergency event.

Iowa's Preparedness Planning Regions

Pennell will lead the Fall Forum. Other presenters include Mike Pentella, associate director disease testing, and Mary DeMartino, bacteriology supervisor and bioterrorism technical specialist. Class dates and locations are:

• Monday, Oct. 12 in Atlantic
• Tuesday, Oct. 13 in Ankeny
• Tuesday, Oct. 27 in Storm Lake
• Wednesday, Nov. 11 in Dubuque
• Friday, Dec. 4 in Mason City
• Wednesday, Dec. 16, Iowa City

To register, contact Rick Bonar at 319-335-4099 or by email at richard-bonar@uiowa.edu.