Since 2011, CDC, NACCHO, and ASTHO have co-developed Flu on Call, a national, coordinated network of telephone triage lines for use during a severe pandemic. The goal of this helpline, which draws on existing United Way/2-1-1 and Poison Center call lines, is to provide information, reduce surge on medical facilities, help callers determine the most appropriate site for their care, and provide access to influenza medications.

Helplines have long been used during public health crises to provide accurate and timely information to a worried public. Last week, Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County (OH) stood up an Ebola hotline. Public health officials hope to inform the community about how Ebola is spread and why U.S. residents have a low risk of contracting the illness.

Read more here. Then submit a comment about how your health department is informing the public about Ebola.