DC's Letter Regarding Mexico Health Concerns

Here is a copy of DC's letter written to all parents/students going on the trip regarding all the recent news regarding Mexico and the swine flu. You should have received one of these via e-mail but just in case you didn't, here it is!

"Dear Parent,

You are receiving this letter because you are the parent of a high school student who is attending our Mexic09 Mission Trip with Granger Community Church. I wanted to take a moment and inform you of where we stand regarding the trip to Mexico.

I’m sure most of you have already heard how H1N1 Flu (“the Swine Flu”) has affected Mexico and the U.S. I just want to take a moment to weigh-in on what this means for our trip at the end of July.

This isn't something that I'm taking lightly. I understand the implications, while at the same time believe that this isn't something that is outside the hands of God. So with much prayer and conversation, at this point, we are going to continue with our current plan of action. We will continue to closely monitor the situation from all angles (in-house leadership, National News, Mexico News, and Back2Back on-site news). If in the end we need to cancel the trip, we will do just that with no regrets. I've never been interested in putting any of our students or staff in danger and this situation is no different. We love what we get to do and I'm not willing to risk anyone's safety for the sake of a camp, service opportunity or mission experience.

I’ve had many conversations over the last four weeks about this situation and the implications that are involved. Here’s the latest national communication from those who are spending hundreds of hours on diagnosing it and giving advice as to what we should do as of 5-12-09.

•Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitan, declared that the severity of the Swine Flu is no stronger than the regular seasonal flu. Click on the link below to read more from the article ‘Swine Flu No Worse than Regular Flu’:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/05/04/swine.flu.main/index.html?iref=newssearch

•The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that they are not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus. The WHO noted that “limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community. Scientific research based on mathematical modeling shows that restricting travel would be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, validate this.” Read more from their Web site:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/travel/en/index.html

•According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 flu is effectively treated with anti-viral drugs. “This novel (H1N1) influenza virus is sensitive (susceptible) to the neuraminidase inhibitor anti-viral medications, Zanamivir and Oseltamivir.” Read more from the CDC Web site on treatment and exposure risk: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm

•The Back2Back staff in Mexico has been provided up to date health information regarding transmission and screening of flu symptoms. The staff is closely monitoring mission guests and children at the homes and at present there have not been any cases among Back2Back staff members, mission guests or the children we serve. Monterrey is a city of six million and has been very aggressive with its approach to prevention of this flu. Visit the CDC Web site to read more about keeping yourself protected: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

•Back2Back is committed to the health and safety of all mission guests. Our Mexico campus is located within 10 minutes of a leading area hospital. Additionally, Back2Back Mexico has an Emergency Response & Preparedness Program for all medical emergencies including the flu.

I hope this information helps and sheds some more light on the situation. It’s been very helpful for me and the GSM team. We thank you for trusting us with your students and know that we will do everything in our power to keep them safe and help them have a great mission experience. We are committed to excellence and helping your student take their next step!

If you have any further questions please contact us at 574.243.3500.

Sincerely,

DC Curry
Director of Student Ministry