Ripley
County Health Department project
helps "Fight The Bite!" across Indiana
Education is often the most important tool in
protecting ourselves from the perils of life. West Nile virus is no
exception. The more you know, the better you can protect your family and
enjoy a happy and healthy summer!
The Ripley County Health Department recently
contracted with Nebulas Group, Inc., a local marketing and communications
firm, to develop an informational coloring book as an effort to help
children and their parents better understand and protect their families
against the dangers of West Nile virus.
"We are very proud to have the chance to work with
Ripley County's health department to develop this resource," said Ben
Peetz, founder and president of Nebulas Group. "This project is a great
way for the county to make the most of its resources, while meeting an
important need for our entire state and region."
Sources of information to develop the coloring
book were obtained from the Indiana State Department of Health, national
Centers for Disease Control, and Purdue University Cooperative Extension
Service. Dr. Michael Sinsko, senior medical entomologist, and Dr. James F.
Howell, veterinary epidemiologist of the Indiana State Department of
Health assisted in editing and technical assistance on the project.
"The health department approached us because there
were no other coloring books available on West Nile information that were
suitable for our region," said Peetz. "In an effort to meet the needs for
our specific area, they wanted a coloring book developed specifically for
Indiana and Ripley County."
In an effort to make the project available
throughout the state, the coloring book was based specifically on the
habitat and species of mosquitoes found throughout Indiana so that it
could be utilized throughout the state of Indiana.
"Now, we're in the process of working with other
health departments across the state to meet their West Nile program
needs," Peetz said.
The coloring book will be distributed to all third
grade students in Ripley County and will be available upon request at the
Ripley County Health Department. You may call 812-689-5751 Ext 296 to
request a coloring book. For counties interested in their own version of
the West Nile book or another project, contact Nebulas Group, Inc. at
their Internet site
http://www.nebulasgroup.com.
