Let's go to the movies: Public health is focus of film 'Contagion'

This column addresses topics related to the health of our community.

On Friday, the movie "Contagion" is coming to Galaxy Fandango Theater in Carson City, and public health professionals from the health department will be there to talk with moviegoers.

Epidemiologists and preparedness experts will answer questions about public health preparedness, recruit volunteers for the Medical Reserve Corps, and answer questions from the public about how disease is spread and how to be ready for a health emergency like the outbreak in the film.

September is National Preparedness Month, so the release of the film is a timely reminder that we should plan for health emergencies. For many years, Carson City Health and Human Services has been working cooperatively with other local agencies, the Nevada State Health Division, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve readiness for a public health emergency here in our community. The annual free flu vaccination clinic is a good example of an event that allows Carson City to practice how we would respond if an outbreak happened here.

"Contagion" is a blockbuster movie starring Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, and other notable Hollywood personalities. The film is about a rapidly-spreading virus and the public health response to it. The CDC was used as a consultant for the movie, and the film was featured in this month's American Public Health Association newsletter. The film has beenlauded as a scientifically accurate, yet still exciting, portrayal of the events surrounding an outbreak of an unknown disease.

"Public Health at the Movies" on Friday at Casino Fandango is a great opportunity for the public to see a thrilling film and meet some of the public health workers whose efforts ensure Carson City is a safe and healthy place to live.

For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.

Save the Date

Two Free Community Flu Vaccine Events:

Carson City - Saturday, Oct. 1, Carson High Drive-thru

Douglas County - Saturday, Oct. 15, Minden Elementary Walk-in

Clinics

Carson City Health and Human Services

900 East Long Street, Carson City

775-887-2195

Clinic: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Wednesday and Friday, by appointment

Well Child visits: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays

Men's Clinic: 4-6 p.m. Mondays, Call for an appointment: 775-887-2195

Thursday is Immunization Day: 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed