Reed working with Hispanic leaders concerning swine flu
by DAN MILLER, Of The Patriot-News, April 28, 2009
Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed wants residents to postpone travel to Mexico because of the swine flu outbreak. His message is targeted toward the city's estimated 500-plus Mexican residents. To reach them Reed met Tuesday night with Latino community leaders in Derry Street United Methodist Church.
The city earlier today passed out thousands of pamphlets in Hispanic areas. The pamphlets say how to prevent swine flu and urge anyone with symptoms go to a hospital.
The city has no known swine flu cases but "we don't know (that) with 100 percent certainty," Reed said at the meeting.
He said some Mexican residents won't come to a public meeting because of immigration concerns. Others simply aren't reached through conventional media or means.
Hector Richard Ortiz, Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club 2008-09 president, said Mexicans are part of a broader and "very diverse" city Hispanic community. There's no one way to reach them but "word of mouth" is best.
Ortiz said the city should use Spanish radio stations to help spread the word. Churches are crucial as research shows 70 percent of the Harrisburg Hispanic community is affiliated with a Christian church.
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