WHAT SNS MEANS TO YOU
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has large quantities of emergency lifesaving medicines and supplies to protect the American pubic if there is a public health emergency such as a terrorist attack, a disease outbreak, or a natural disaster severe enough to exceed local emergency supplies. This reserve supply is referred to as the Strategic National Stockpile, or SNS. Depending on the type of emergency, the SNS will deliver antibiotics, chemical antidotes, antitoxins or other lifesaving items.
The SNS is strategically stored in a number of secure locations around the country. It is designed for flexible response. Stockpiles can be shipped anywhere in the U. S. within 12 hours. Local communities are prepared to receive medicine and supplies shipped by SNS to make them readily available to Idaho residents.
HOW SNS IS DEPLOYED
To receive SNS assets, Idaho’s Governor will request the deployment of the SNS assets from the federal government through the CDC or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS, CDC, and other federal officials will evaluate the situation and determine a prompt course of action. Once the SNS supplies are delivered to Idaho, HHS will transfer the authority for the material to the state and local authorities. SNS emergency response experts will remain on site to assist and advise state and local officials in putting the SNS assets to prompt and effective use.
HOW SNS MEDICATION IS DISTRIBUTED
When Idaho receives the SNS shipments, State emergency response workers will immediately deliver the supplies and medication directly to the communities that need them. Idaho’s local public health districts will set up medication dispensing centers (also known as Points of Dispensing or PODs) quickly and in numerous locations to get medicines and treatment from the SNS to the people in the community as soon as possible.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN EMERGENCY:
» Medicines given and the PODs are free.
» PODs are community based; they will be easy to find and can accommodate a large number of people. Trained staff will be available to assist people. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and the Idaho Public Health Districts will announce when the PODs will open and provide details about where the sites will be located throughout Idaho. Additional information will be communicated to Idaho’s public including directions to the sites, when to report to the PODs, what to bring to the site, and what to expect when you get there.
» Federal, state, and local authorities are working together to ensure that sufficient supplies of SNS medicines will arrive quickly in an emergency and be available for everyone who needs them.
» During the emergency, stay tuned to TV, radio, newspaper, and DHW’s website at www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov for important instructions to protect you and your family. You will also be able to call 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine with any questions.
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