Scrubby Bear Sets a Record Educating Local Kids

(Evansville) – As fears about the H1N1 virus continue to grow in Tri-State, the American Red Cross is doing its part to help educate the public about how to prepare and lessen the chances of contracting the H1N1 virus. To help, all local Red Cross chapters have stepped up their outreach efforts utilizing Scrubby Bear, our hand washing mascot and the use of safety information & brochures that available online or at your local Red Cross chapter.

In September, chapter staff and volunteers set a record for educating area kids using Scrubby Bear, our hand washing mascot. “We are proud to announce that since September 1^st that Scrubby Bear presented his clean hands presentation to over 857 kids at 28 presentations, nearly three times as many as usual due to the increasing number of requests coming into our office,” said Matt Bertram, Regional Chapter Executive. “This number includes over 40 students and girl scouts that learned how to properly wash their hands today alone,” Bertram said.

Scrubby Bear teaches kids through song how they can wash their hands and eliminate germs. “Scrubby Bear teaches very simple lessons that we can all learn from including washing your hands with hot water and soap while singing the song “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat” two times, spotlighting the amount of time needed to eliminate germs on our hands,” Bertram said.

The goal of the American Red Cross is to ensure all kids and parents have the necessary information to feel safe against the H1N1 virus, because education is the key to calming fears. “We encourage schools, daycares, after-school programs and community organizations to contact their local Red Cross chapter and schedule a Scrubby Bear Presentation; it’s a free presentation that will teach simple lessons kids will retain to stay safe.”

H1N1 Flu Virus Preparedness, Be Red Cross Ready Information and other safety information is also available for download in both English and Spanish from our website www.tristateredcross.org, by calling or visiting your local American Red Cross chapter.