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Preparing Homeless SheltersPreparing Homeless Sheltersfor a for a
Public Health EmergencyPublic Health Emergency
Montgomery County, Maryland Montgomery County, Maryland
Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health ServicesDepartment of Health and Human Services, Public Health Services
Why Are You Here?
Montgomery County under the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) has developed plans to respond to a large-scale bioterrorist (Anthrax) attack by dispensing antibiotics to the entire county population within 48 hrs.
People who are homeless are extremely
vulnerable (transient, outdoors) to such an attack and may be difficult to reach to provide medications.
A federally funded program A federally funded program supported by CDC.supported by CDC.
It assists major cities to It assists major cities to effectively respond to a large effectively respond to a large scale bioterrorist attack. scale bioterrorist attack.
It is based on a scenario of It is based on a scenario of an anthrax attack with an anthrax attack with widespread and unknown widespread and unknown exposure. exposure.
What is the Cities Readiness Program?What is the Cities Readiness Program?
Anthrax: Anthrax: The WeaponThe Weapon
Anthrax is a deadly disease caused by bacterial spores (Bacillus anthracis).
Techniques for mass production and dissemination are being developed.
As few as 1 to 3 spores may cause infection if inhaled.
Anthrax is NOT contagious person to person.
How Is Exposure to Anthrax Treated?
Antibiotics (Cipro, Doxycycline, and Amoxicillin) taken by mouth for a total of 60 days are used to treat exposure to Anthrax to prevent infection.
Note: Initial push is 10 days, then 50 days if warranted.
Source:Source: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/faq/signs.asp (from the SNS Extranet) http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/faq/signs.asp (from the SNS Extranet)
CDC will deliver CDC will deliver medications from the medications from the SNS to Points of SNS to Points of Dispensing (PODs) in Dispensing (PODs) in Maryland including Maryland including Montgomery County.Montgomery County.
There are two forms of There are two forms of distribution at the county distribution at the county level:level:
Open PODS (Previously Open PODS (Previously known as Medication known as Medication Centers)Centers)
Closed PODsClosed PODs
Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
What is an Open POD?What is an Open POD?
Open PODs are for anyone in the County. There will be 25 sites designated as Open PODs.
One household representative will be encouraged to pick up medication for his or her entire household.
Drive-Thru or Walk-Up options for screening and distribution.
A point of dispensing A point of dispensing that is restricted to a that is restricted to a particular group, such particular group, such as homeless shelters. as homeless shelters.
A Closed POD at a A Closed POD at a homeless shelter is homeless shelter is more convenient for more convenient for people who are people who are homeless and who homeless and who may not be able to go may not be able to go to a Medication Center. to a Medication Center.
What is a Closed POD?What is a Closed POD?
Homeless Shelters as Closed PODsHomeless Shelters as Closed PODs
Homeless Shelters can elect to become Closed PODs in Montgomery Homeless Shelters can elect to become Closed PODs in Montgomery County.County.
Medications and supplies would be distributed from the state to a Medications and supplies would be distributed from the state to a central location within the county, i.e., MC Fire and Rescue Training central location within the county, i.e., MC Fire and Rescue Training Academy.Academy.
Staff from the shelters will pick up the medications from the central Staff from the shelters will pick up the medications from the central location to distribute to shelter staff, their immediate family, and location to distribute to shelter staff, their immediate family, and shelter residents.shelter residents.
Benefits of Closed PODS
Quicker distribution of medications to people who are homeless.
Protects Homeless Shelter staff and their families.
Helps to ensure your organization’s continuity of operations.
Decreases the number of people going to Open PODs.
How are Closed PODs Activated?How are Closed PODs Activated?
NOTIFICATION & ACTIVATION OF THE CLOSED POD PARTNER SITE
Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Services will contact the Homeless Shelters to let them know that their mass prophylaxis and Closed POD
plans have been activated.
Homeless Shelter RolesHomeless Shelter Roles
Send proper staff and proper vehicles to pick Send proper staff and proper vehicles to pick up medication at designated locationup medication at designated location
Assist staff members obtain medication for Assist staff members obtain medication for themselves and their households themselves and their households
Assist staff, staff households, and residents Assist staff, staff households, and residents to complete screening formto complete screening form
Distribute medications to homeless shelter Distribute medications to homeless shelter residentsresidents
Homeless Shelter Roles (Continued)
Be prepared to go back to the designated location to pick up additional medication
Maintain and secure inventory of medications
Stay alert, keep up-to-date with news from the County, and keep communication lines open
MAKE A PLAN
PLAN TO BE SAFE
HELPFUL GUIDEHELPFUL GUIDE
COMMUNICATIONSCOMMUNICATIONS
ESSENTIAL!!ESSENTIAL!!
QuestionsQuestions
