On Thursday, September 10, 2009, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn), in conjunction with leading medical experts, will host an H1N1 Community Forum to address growing concerns about the swine flu, which, according to former New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden, has already spread throughout all five New York City boroughs. The H1N1 Forum will take place at Beth Jacob of Boro Park located at 1371 46th Street at 6:30PM.

Authorities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that the H1N1 virus has infected more than one million Americans to date and claimed over 300 lives nationwide, 64 of whom were New York residents. Certain groups are considered to be at high risk of serious complications. These include persons 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.

“Considering all the speculation and fear surrounding the H1N1 virus, there is no doubt that there is a great need for this kind of forum,” Hikind said. “This lecture is intended to be an educational public service. Without the facts, misinformation may prove to be as deadly as the H1N1 virus itself.”

Renowned board-certified pediatrician, author, and professor of medicine, Dr. Stuart Ditchek will present, as will Mr. Michael A. Congo, MPH, Certified Health Education Specialist with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. There will be time allotted for a question-and-answer session. “I really encourage everyone to attend the forum to learn more about how to best protect themselves and their loved ones from contracting this potentially deadly virus,” Hikind added. 

For more information about this event, please contact the Office of Assemblyman Dov Hikind at 718.853.9616.

(YWN Desk – NYC)