School Communications

California Pushes Vaccine Notice out via Blackboard Connect

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 05/11/10

The H1N1 scare isn't over. That's the message being broadcast through Blackboard Connect by the California Department of Public Health, which is reminding school and college leaders to promote H1N1 vaccinations to their campus communities.

In a recorded message, Mark Horton, head of the public health agency, highlighted the need for continued vigilance. As of May 1, 2010, 579 deaths had been attributed to the flu in the state, and 8,959 cases had been reported.

"H1N1 still poses a threat in California, so we must continue to do our part in preventing the flu this spring. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent H1N1.... Also, please continue to cover your cough, wash your hands, stay home from work and keep your children home from school when sick." The message has gone out to a thousand superintendents, college administrators, and school health leaders in the state.

The company has partnered with the state agency to make a set of messages available for dissemination to K-12 and colleges and universities students, faculty, and parents.

Blackboard said its mass notification platform has been used by customers in the last six months to send a combined 21.7 million H1N1-related messages via phone, e-mail, and text message.