Maricopa County Public Health, Chandler Unified School District and City of Chandler to Test Emergency Operations Plan on March 20 at Basha High School
PHOENIX (March 19, 2018) – On March 20th, more than 200 volunteers and local partners will be “called in” to Basha High School to test how quickly they can set up a Point of Dispensing or POD site and begin handing out sample information and necessary medication to community residents. The exercise is part of Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s (MCDPH) response plan which provides guidance and direction should the community ever be faced with a large-scale public health event such as a release of anthrax, a pandemic flu or a brand new disease that would require mass-dispensing of medication.
“In order to successfully execute a drill of this magnitude, partnerships are essential and we are extremely thankful to Chandler Unified School District, City of Chandler, American Red Cross, and Southern Baptist Church for stepping up to assist us in fulfilling this CDC requirement,” said Dr. Sunenshine, medical director for Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
WHAT: Public Health Emergency Preparedness Point of Dispensing Drill
WHEN: March 20, 2018 MEDIA AVAILABILITY: 9-10 am
WHERE: Basha High School, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler, AZ
CAMERA SHOTS: Cars will be lined up and will stop at various points to pick up forms, receive information from volunteers and receive fake medication.
Since the exercise is taking place during spring break, there will not be any disruption to the regular school day. During the exercise, vehicles will line up on South Val Vista Drive and East Riggs Road from 9:00 am to 9:30 am and quickly get off the main streets for the rest of the practice.
For more information on public health exercises or how Maricopa County Department of Public Health prepares for emergencies, visit www.ReadyMaricopa.org.
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