Don’t Bug Me Flu Prevention Program Kicks Off at Owasso Elementary School

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Hillcrest and the Tulsa County Health Department launched this year’s Don’t Bug Me campaign at Hayward Smith Elementary

Owasso, OK (Nov. 1, 2016) – Hillcrest HealthCare System and the Tulsa County Health Department kicked off the Don’t Bug Me program this morning at Hayward Smith Elementary in Owasso. The Don’t Bug Me program, now in its 13^th year, is designed to teach healthy lifestyle habits to school age kids to help them avoid getting or spreading the flu or other illnesses.

“Professor Penelope IAK” and Hillcrest HealthCare System CEO, Kevin Gross, helped kickoff this year’s Don’t Bug Me flu prevention campaign at Hayward Smith Elementary in Owasso.

Students loved the Don’t Bug Me-branded antennae and wore them throughout the presentation. Kevin Gross, Hillcrest HealthCare System chief executive officer, opened today’s program and introduced the Tulsa County Health Department’s “Professor Penelope IAK”. Professor Penelope provided an interactive program, engaging students through asking questions and demonstrating proper hand washing and sneeze covering techniques.

Just last week the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) issued a news release expressing concern about an early start to influenza season in Oklahoma. The OSDH has confirmed 14 influenza-associated hospitalizations since Sept. 1, 2016.

Throughout flu season, the Don’t Bug Me program, a collaboration between Hillcrest HealthCare System and the Tulsa County Health Department, offers education to schools and the business community and is supported by materials provided to teachers and businesses, public appearances and advertising. A poster contest is held in conjunction with the program, in which students are encouraged to draw what they’ve learned from the program.