In support of National Preparedness Month, Metro St. Louis, the American Red Cross, Germ-X and PandemicPrep.org will encourage citizens in the area to be healthy and help prevent the spread of flu viruses.

"This year, both the seasonal flu and H1N1 virus are a threat," said Nicole Holtgrefe, director of preparedness and client services for the American Red Cross, St. Louis Area Chapter. "Recent estimates say as many as 50 percent of people could be infected. The flu may spread fast, but it is our goal to quickly spread information about how to stay safe."

Beginning in September, Metro staff and Red Cross volunteers will distribute free sample-size hand sanitizers and wellness information at select Metro locations.

"We are happy to partner with Vi-Jon Inc., the makers of Germ-X hand sanitizer, and the American Red Cross, which is providing important health and wellness information for this public health awareness campaign," said Craig Macdonald, director of risk management, safety & claims for Metro. "With more than 100,000 people boarding a MetroBus or MetroLink train each week, transit is a great place to reach a cross section of citizens in the region."