State to open toll-free line for H1N1 flu (swine flu) questions

[May 02, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD -- A new hot line slated to open Saturday morning will provide Illinois residents with easy access to information about the H1N1 flu (swine flu). The toll-free line -- 866-848-2094 for English, 866-241-2138 for Spanish -- will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for as long as needed. Line operators will be equipped to answer basic, non-medical questions related to the outbreak and will be able to refer callers to additional information sources.

"With the flu outbreak in the news every day, we know many people have questions," said Andrew Velasquez III, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. "Through this hot line, we hope to answer basic questions and connect people with sources for additional information."

The line will be staffed by state employee volunteers from several agencies, with support from public health professionals from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Spanish-speaking operators also will be available. At the end of the week, IEMA and IDPH conducted a training session for operators in advance of the opening of the line.

In addition, information about the H1N1 flu (swine
flu) also is continually updated for online access at www.ready.illinois.gov. Information on the Ready Illinois site is available in English, Spanish and Polish.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]