Recently the Clay County Public Health Center and the Sherriff’s Department conducted a Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) exercise with Points of Dispensing (PODs) locations in Clay County.
“The Strategic National Stockpile Distribution full scale exercise was instrumental in testing and enhancing the Clay County Public Health Center’s and partner capabilities to effectively and efficiently respond to public health emergencies,” Tarama said.
Just like in a real emergency, the exercise started at the SNS location and included a police escort. To simulate medication, candy was used and the exercise involved the full process of distribution, including chain of custody forms. This exercise was also a chance to test emergency communication systems, as well as for our partners to understand the Health Center’s process for distribution and to test their internal process.
In the event of an actual public health emergency, getting medication out to POD locations is essential in protecting the health of the public. This exercise provided an opportunity to practice the process and be prepared for dispensing operations during a real emergency response.