2009-11-19 00:15:03 -

Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency.



WHO & WHAT: Delta Dental of Minnesota and the nonprofit Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency (MVNA) are partnering with Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support and Anoka County Community Health to promote prevention of germs and influenza transmission, by offering free toothbrushes while supplies last, and flu prevention education at the following: (A) Seven Minneapolis School H1N1 flu clinic sites, beginning on Thurs., Nov. 19, 2009 and Fri., Nov. 20, 2009. (B) Anoka County Community Health is hosting an H1N1 clinic today at the National Sports Center – Schwan Center for healthy children ages 5 through 9 years old and children ages 4 through 18 years old with chronic health conditions.

Delta Dental of Minnesota will give away

15,000 toothbrushes at sponsored H1N1 clinics throughout the metro area to encourage people to replace and properly care for their toothbrush, particularly in cold and flu season.

Public flu vaccination clinics are hosted by Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support and Anoka County Community Health, and will be administered by Registered Nurses from Minnesota’s leading nonprofit influenza immunizer, MVNA. MVNA is currently a recipient of the Minnesota Department of Health “Mark of Excellence” for its flu vaccination program.



WHY: Proper care of your toothbrush and using good oral hygiene can play an important role in preventing the transmission of the flu.

Good oral hygiene practices include: brushing teeth regularly, storing your toothbrush in an upright position, not allowing toothbrushes to touch each other, and not sharing toothbrushes with other family members. The CDC recommends replacement of toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months or when the bristles are worn 1 .

By following these simple precautions, you can help prevent the spread of cold or flu viruses.



WHERE: Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support are hosting H1N1 clinics for students age 9 and under enrolled at the following seven schools, as well as their brothers and sisters age 6 months to 9 years old.

Cityview Performing Arts School (3350 N. 4 th St., Minneapolis)Thurs., Nov. 19, 20093-7 p.m.

Sheridan Elementary School (1201 N.E. University Ave., Minneapolis)Thurs., Nov. 19, 20093-7 p.m.

Sullivan Elementary School (3100 E. 28 th St., Minneapolis)Thurs., Nov. 19, 20093-7 p.m.

Ramsey Fine Arts Elementary School (1 W. 49 th St., Minneapolis)Thurs., Nov. 19, 20094-8 p.m.

Andersen Open Elementary School (1098 Andersen Lane, Minneapolis)Fri., Nov. 20, 20093-7 p.m.

Green Central Park School (3416 S. 4 th Ave., Minneapolis)Fri., Nov. 20, 20093-7 p.m.

Lucy Craft Laney at Cleveland Park Community School (3333 Penn Ave. N., Minneapolis)Fri., Nov. 20, 20093-7 p.m.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Please note media access to the Minneapolis clinics is limited. To obtain footage of the vaccinations, please come to Cityview Performing Arts School (see address above) at 3:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 19.

Anoka Community Health Department is hosting a walk-in H1N1 clinic for healthy children ages 5 through 9 years old and children ages 4 through 18 years old with chronic health conditions.

National Sports Center – Schwan Center (1700 105 th Ave. N.E., Blaine)Wed., Nov. 18, 20092:30-8:30 p.m.

Please visit www.mvna.org : for a full list of H1N1 clinics.



PRICING: Please bring your health insurance card(s). If your child does not have health insurance, MVNA will bill your local public health department.



QUOTE: “A toothbrush is an essential tool to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Your toothbrush comes in contact with millions of germs in your mouth and can transfer cold and flu viruses if it comes in contact with other toothbrushes or if you share your toothbrush with others. Proper care of your toothbrush can keep you and your family healthy this flu season and prevent the spread of the flu and other illness,” stated Ann Johnson, Director of Community Affairs, Delta Dental of Minnesota. “We are thrilled to partner with MVNA, a trusted community health agency, to achieve our mutual goals to promote healthy living this flu season.”


Toothbrushes are available in one size, with limited quantities only while supplies last.

Please visit City of Minneapolis' Flu Web Page at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/emergency/flu-home.asp : , or Ready Anoka County at readyanokacounty.us : or MVNA at www.mvna.org : for more details.

1 www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/toothbrushes. .. : , accessed September 16, 2009

Delta Dental of MinnesotaAnn Johnson, 651-303-8571 ajohnson@deltadentalmn.org : mailto:ajohnson@deltadentalmn.org orMVNALaura
Silvernale, 612-998-5882 SilvernL@mvna.org : mailto:SilvernL@mvna.org