Potomac State College of West Virginia University was recently awarded approximately $19,400 to help offset the costs of its H1N1 outreach efforts this academic year.

The money comes from a grant awarded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education and the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health. Funding was made possible by a grant to the commission from the Bureau’s Center for Threat Preparedness through a federal appropriation to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During the epidemic, Potomac State College distributed hand sanitizer to all students, faculty and staff and placed dispensers in the entrances of buildings across campus. Student Health Services held flu clinics with free seasonal flu vaccinations and H1N1 vaccinations which required the purchasing of equipment and supplies. Residence Life provided meals to students who were isolated in their rooms while sick.

“These outreach measures helped limit the spread of H1N1 on our campus,” said Bill Letrent, dean of student affairs. “We had approximately one fourth of our student population contact Student Health Services with H1N1 symptoms, but it could have been worse. We are remaining vigilant because traditional college students are at high risk of being exposed to and contracting this virus.”

Fifteen institutions of higher education in the state were awarded funding ranging from $12,500 to $25,000.