Calls flood H1N1 phone bank

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Looking to address questions and concerns from state residents about the H1N1 flu strain , the Rhode Island Department of Health took part in a phone bank and television broadcast Wednesday evening.

Both the phone bank and the TV special were co-sponsored by the RI Broadcasters Association.

A panel of 20 health experts, including representatives from the Department of Health, staffed a phone bank for three hours Wednesday evening. They took thousands of calls from concerned residents.

An hour-long broadcast immediately followed the phone bank on myRITV. Titled "H1N1 - Swine Flu: What You Need to Know," the panel discussion sought to answer the most frequently asked questions.

With three confirmed deaths from H1N1 in the past week, the Department of Health said it understands concerns are rising about the virus.

Still, the DOH said people should prepare, not panic. They urged parents to get their kids vaccinated at school clinics, which will continue into December.

Residents who still have questions can call the DOH's H1N1 hotline at 401-222-8022.