North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

09/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/19/2024 12:17

HHS joins community health partners in Fargo to kickoff Respiratory Illness Prevention efforts

Thursday, September 19, 2024 - 01:00 pm

North Dakota Health & Human Services (HHS) and State Health Officer Nizar Wehbi, MD, are joining with health care leaders from Fargo Cass Public Health, Essentia Health and Sanford Health, and other community health partners in Fargo to announce the kickoff of fall respiratory illness prevention efforts.

WHAT:

  • Local physicians and health professionals will discuss the respiratory illnesses that impact people more in the fall and winter, immunization recommendations and options, and the importance of individuals talking to a trusted health care provider about strategies supporting their individual health
  • A parent/HHS team member will share her family's story about the impact of RSV
  • Special guest will make brief remarks and receive an immunization

WHO:

  • Dr. Nizar Wehbi, MD, MPH, MBA, North Dakota State Health Officer, North Dakota Health & Human Services - Welcome, opening/closing comments on public health
  • Dr. Avish Nagpal, MD, Infectious Disease Physician and Medical Director of Infection Prevention, Sanford Health - Infectious disease perspective on respiratory season and immunizations with a focus on influenza and COVID.
  • Joseph Halvorson, APRN, CNP, Nurse Practitioner and Section Chair of Internal Medicine, Essentia Health - Internal medicine perspective on respiratory season focusing on RSV and adult immunization recommendations
  • Dr. Tracie Newman, MD, MPH, FAAP, Pediatrician and Health Officer of Fargo Cass Public Health - Pediatrician perspective on respiratory season and immunization recommendations for children, effectiveness, and access to immunizations.
  • Danni Pinnick, parent and HHS team member - sharing personal story about RSV
  • Miss North Dakota Sophia Richards - brief comments and immunization

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Central Time

WHERE: Fargo Cass Public Health - Oak Room, 1240 25th Street S., Fargo, ND

MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACTS:

Fargo-Cass Public Health: Holly Scott, [email protected], (701) 476-5990

Essentia Health: Caitlin Pallai, [email protected], (701) 212.5206

Sanford Health: Jessica Schindeldecker, [email protected], (701) 200-6080