PBA and Barbicide Team Up Against H1N1

In early November, the Professional Beauty Association and Barbicide announced that they are working together to create an industry response program that addresses the H1N1 influenza virus that has impacted the United States and countries across the globe.

"King Research, the markers of Barbicide is a strong supporter and member of the Professional Beauty Association, and it is critical that we support the salon/spa industry as it looks for tools and information on preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus," said Alan Murphy, president of King Research. "Our contagious disease experts and in-house researchers are key contributors to the tools and programs King Research has launched and we want to share that information with the beauty industry."

While the initial wave of the H1N1 this past spring was relatively moderate, President Obama recently declared a national emergency to deal with the "rapid increase in illness" from the H1N1 influenza virus. For small businesses, particularly salons and spas, employee absenteeism from the flu can be very disruptive to business operations. Federal and state authorities have been urging small businesses to be proactive in flu prevention and preparedness. 

"We have seen an increased demand for H1N1 resources and information from salon/spa owners across the country," said Executive Director of PBA Steve Sleeper. "The Professional Beauty Association is committed to providing timely and relevant resources to the beauty industry and we are excited to be working with one of our valued members. Their expertise on salon/spa sanitation and disinfection in an invaluable resource as we develop resources and information for the beauty industry." 

The H1N1 education and preparedness effort will kick off with the launch of a robust online tool kit that will feature information and resources geared specifically towards the salon/spa environment. In addition to the online toolkit, the effort will also include a webinar on salon/spa sanitation and disinfection best practices and several workshops during the International Salon & Spa Expo in Long Beach, California, January 30-February 1, 2010.