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Serious focus at West Fest: Officials discuss potential pandemic

By Matt Loeschman, Independent Newspapers

The Recreation Centers of Sun City West's monthly West Fest event takes a serious turn Sept. 9.

The free meeting, open to the public, will feature officials from the RCSCW, the Sun City West Fire District and the Arizona Department of Health Services discussing bird flu, why officials fear it could spark a pandemic, and what is being done locally to prepare for a potential catastrophe.

"Right now, people aren't paying much attention to this because it's not prevalent in the United States," explained RCSCW Public Information Specialist Katy O'Grady. "But rec center officials don't want to wait until it's too late to educate. If something happens, it could be too late."

The West Fest begins 9 a.m. Sept. 9 in the R.H. Johnson Social Hall, 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd. Entertainment will begin and refreshments will be served at 9:15 a.m. with the bird flu program beginning at 10 a.m.

Last June, the RCSCW formed a task force to develop a bird flu pandemic plan under which the recreation centers would operate in the event of a worst-case scenario.

"We don't want to frighten our members, but we do want them to know we are planning ahead in case this pandemic should hit," RCSCW General Manager Mike Whiting said. "The federal government has warned that local preparation is vital to helping the community through such a catastrophe, so we're doing our part as it pertains to the rec centers."

RCSCW officials will give a brief presentation outlining their internal plan to protect the association's employees and assets if a pandemic occurs.

In addition, Sun City West Deputy Fire Chief Jim Heger and EMS Coordinator Rebecca Haro will explain the fire district's role in responding to the community's needs during a pandemic.

Shawn Tennant, planning manager for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and Emergency Management, will discuss the county's plan.

Residents believe planning ahead is a good idea.

"You can never be too prepared," said Sun City West resident Sheila Stockwell. "I think Katrina showed us just how important early planning can be. I hope this never has to be used but it's good to know that we have a plan."

A pandemic would only occur if the current strain of bird flu virus mutates into a form that can be easily transmitted from human to human, something health officials believe has not happened yet. No cases of bird-to-human cases have been reported in the United States either, but scientists are testing migrating birds in Alaska.

Reports of bird flu infections continue to flare up around the world, primarily in birds in Indonesia and Vietnam, and some officials fear the virus could reach America this winter as migrating birds carry the virus to the states. That correlates with the regular flu season, which some officials believe could provide the bird flu virus with an opportunity to mutate into a form easily transmitted between humans.

As of last week, nearly 240 people worldwide have contracted the virus and 139 have died, RCSCW officials noted.

The RCSCW's Public Relations Committee sponsors the monthly West Fest. Recent speakers included Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and representatives from Heard Museum West. The event was previously known as "Back In Your Own Backyard."

"We are expecting a couple hundred people for the bird flu presentation," Ms. O'Grady said. "We're going to have some real experts on hand and we feel this program will be extremely worthwhile."

Attendees at the Sept. 9 West Fest are encouraged to arrive early and browse the many club displays that will be featured. These include the Leather Carvers, Lady Putters, stained glass, bocce, yoga, Sun Health volunteers, PORA, PRIDES, Sun City West Posse and RCSCW Golf Operations. Doors open at 9 a.m. with the main program set for 10 a.m.

If you go

RCSCW West Fest

9 a.m. Sept. 9

R.H. Johnson Social Hall, 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd.

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