The Hermiston School District Wellness Committee would like to invite community members from around the area to attend a free H1N1 Influenza Informational Night Oct. 5 to learn more about what’s been commonly referred to as the Swine Flu.

At least five panelists from various community organizations will address the H1N1 flu, including information about vaccinations, proper cleaning, when to stay home from school or work, who’s at risk and more. Each panelist will provide a short presentation, and then the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Spanish translation will be available.

Panelists are expected to include Umatilla County Public Health Administrator Genni Lehnert, Manuel Navarro from the Marisol Family Health Center, Daryl Dennis from Carlson’s Urgent Health Care, Good Shepherd Medical Center Infection Control Director Pam Schultz, and a representative from the Hermiston School District.

The free informational meeting is one of at least three wellness nights to be hosted this year by the school district’s Wellness Committee. A second meeting addressing winter health and safety will occur in late-fall, early-winter, and a third meeting addressing exercise will be held in late-winter.

“We’re doing three to four intense public health meetings this year,” said Ramona Trebilcock, the District’s school nurse, who also serves on the Wellness Committee. “We want to bring the community information they can use to stay healthy and safe.”

The H1N1 Informational Night will take place Oct. 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the Hermiston High School Auditorium. Anyone in Hermiston and the surrounding areas is welcome to attend.