Endorsements - Bird Flu What To Do: Prepare To Survive
The last third of the twentieth century was marked by the appearance or re-emergence of infectious diseases of almost unprecedented proportions. HIV, Hemorrhagic Fever (Ebola and Marburg) and Mad Cow Disease lead the list. Antibiotics are notoriously ineffective in such cases and vaccine development has been generally disappointing.
The recent appearance of the H5N1 virus as the causative agent of Avian (Bird) Flu reminds us of the Influenza Epidemic in our country in the early twentieth century, with tremendous loss of life. As this new pandemic marches around the globe, having first appeared in Asia and most recently in Europe, one is reminded of the ever-sensible Scout motto: “Be prepared.”
Dr Verona Fonté and her colleagues have assembled a sensible, easily understandable, accessible and affordable series of preparations, which will go far toward helping mitigate the impact of an impending epidemic in our country. I urge widespread distribution of this excellent publication and broad compliance with its recommendations. In the absence of effective vaccines or medicines, preparation and precaution are our only weapons.
E. Ratcliffe Anderson, Jr., M.D.
Professor of Medicine, Loyola University School of Medicine
Former Air Force Surgeon General
Former CEO, American Medical Association
This book is an excellent resource for any disaster, natural or human-made. We never know when one will hit – and preparedness is a number one priority to save not only your life, but also the lives of your family, friends and neighbors. Moreover, for infectious disease, a healthy immune system is our best protection, and, since it's compromised by stress, being prepared is a great immune support.
Hyla Cass M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine,
Author of 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health
This book encourages neighborhood and community involvement as a central and unifying thesis, emphasizing the relevance of our interdependence in times of crisis. Experience has demonstrated that the community is the central factor when dealing with any natural disaster. How the community is organized, how people relate, what institutions are involved, and how they collaborate is of utmost importance in dealing well with natural disasters. In addition to the details that relate directly to a pandemic, Bird Flu What To Do: Prepare To Survive has something to teach us about the broader issue of disaster preparation.
Leonard Duhl, M.D., F.A.C.P
Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health
Verona Fonté's critical bird flu book speaks to the immediacy of both individual and community preparation to alleviate the suffering created by natural disasters. Having spent my life dedicated to trying to avert man-made disasters, I understand, admire, and identify with the underlying purpose of this book.
Daniel Ellsberg, Ph.D.
Activist and Author of Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam, the Pentagon Papers and Risk, Ambiguity and Decision
Writing about disaster planning is both art and science. Dr. Fonté’s book will move individuals from pervasive denial to educated responses that will save lives. Bird Flu What to Do: Prepare To Survive is thoughtful and calm -- and yet a call to action!
Candice Ford Gray, M.L.I.S
Director, PlaneTree Health Library,
San Jose, Ca
US citizens have had ample opportunity to see the weaknesses in government’s response capabilities for hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. Verona Fonté has written an excellent guide to assist citizens to prepare for a pandemic. Her book, Bird Flu: What To Do: Prepare To Survive is easily understandable and presents a comprehensive planning approach to pandemic preparation. Readers who follow through on her suggestions should have the ability to protect themselves, their family, their businesses, and their neighborhood from the hazards associated with an outbreak of a pandemic disease.
Joshua Lichterman, Ph.D.
President of the Emergency Management Group, Inc.,
Management consultant to corporations in emergency preparations
Verona Fonte, Ph.D. - film-maker, psychologist, peace activist, and now writer, saw a crucial unmet public health need and has moved to fill it. She makes an important contribution to people everywhere with this down-to-earth, detailed, and practical guide to dealing with an avian influenza or other viral pandemic, which will one day come. Each of us must face the facts and take personal responsibility. This book leads the way.
Ted Mohns, M.D.
Associate Clinical Professor, UCSD School of Medicine
Dr. Fonté’s excellent and informative book is a comprehensive, detailed overview of survival strategies for individuals, families, and communities in the face of a wide range of disasters. Important – vital! – Topics you may never have thought of are clearly presented to maximize compliance, preparedness, and hence, survival! As the world careens from one disaster to the next, this book is a “must-read” for everyone!
Daniel Susott, M.D., M.P.H.
Medical Director, Airline Ambassadors,
Specialist in Preventive Medicine and International Health
INSTITUTIONAL SPONSOR
Multi-Sector
Crisis Management Consortium
