During H1N1 response, the Minnesota Department of Health convened periodic conference calls with all higher education institutions in Minnesota. This was the first time that direct communication has been organized between the state health department and higher education. During the calls, the Minnesota State Epidemiologist provided H1N1 updates, answered questions, and requested reports from institutions on status and challenges. One college campus on the call reported a concern that athletes continued to attend practices and games despite flu-like symptoms. Based upon that report, the State Epidemiologist rapidly created and widely distributed an open letter to athletic directors and coaches reinforcing the need for prevention measures in the sports environment.
This represents a great collaboration with the state health department. A challenge was identified within the higher education setting and a supportive action was taken quickly by the State Epidemiologist and shared with all higher education partners in the state via email and online. This particular communication also had utility for the K-12 setting.
Although the concern did not originate at the University of Minnesota (U of M), people there did forward the letter to the U of M's Athletics Department and asked that the letter be shared with all coaches to reinforce and support prevention practices. Having a specific communication addressed to athletic directors and coaches acknowledged their important response role. This approach should be used during future pandemics. In hindsight, a similar letter would have proved useful to address the issue of suspension of existing doctor's note policies for classroom absences. Although addressed in the CDC guidance document, a specific communication from the state health department or the CDC on that issue alone would likely have been a useful resource for Provost Office staff as they fielded questions and concerns from faculty.
