To help on-campus students avoid the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses,
Kirkhof College of Nursing has teamed with Housing and Residence Life
to give presentations in living centers.
Marilyn Vander Werf, assistant professor of nursing, said
nursing students in a senior-level community health course are leading
the presentations. "They start with a evidence-based presentation
that addresses the unique needs of student populations," she said.
College students are at risk for H1N1 because they are in close
contact with each others in living centers, classrooms and other
campus events.
"It's evident these presentations have helped to dispel
rumors and fears," Vander Werf said. "While it's important
for students to know preventative behaviors, it's also important for
them to know the steps toward treatment and prevention and of the
spread of the H1N1 flu."
Andy Beachnau, director of housing, said that apartment
landlords surrounding the Allendale Campus have been given brochures
similar to the presentations to distribute to off-campus students.
Vander Werf and Claudia Leiras-Laubach, assistant professor of
nursing, coordinated the brochures and presentations with staff
members from housing. Five other KCON faculty members helped prepare
students for the presentations: Deb Brown-Bayus, Kristi Cooper,
Catherine D'Amour, Stephanie Solis and Mary Bollman.
Information about the H1N1 flu will continue to be updated
online at www.gvsu.edu/emergency.
A student asks a question during a presentation on the H1N1 virus
in Copeland Living Center.
