In the event of a widespread public health emergency, such as a pandemic outbreak or a biological attack, critical life-saving medication or antidotes will need to be administered to our local citizens.

Tarrant County Public Health has a plan for this.  Working with federal and state partners, critical medications can be quickly administered to our local citizens through our Point of Dispensing (POD) Sites.

What is the Strategic National Stockpile?

The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is a federal cache of medications and medical equipment that can be quickly deployed during a public health emergency.  The SNS cache consists of various antibiotics, other medical supplies and medical equipment for hospitals.

How will local citizens receive critical medications during a public health emergency?
 

Tarrant County Public Health, along with local cities and municipalities will open multiple POD Sites where citizens can pick up medications to protect against the threat.  POD sites will either be walk-thru sites or drive-thru sites.  At a walk-thru site, you will park your car, go inside a building and stand in line to get your medication.  At a drive-thru site, you will stay in your car and pick up your medication at a station much like a drive-thru lane at your favorite fast food restaurant.

What can I expect at a Point of Dispensing Site?
 

• Only medication for the particular threat will be dispensed at a POD Site.  For example, if the threat is an anthrax release, then PODs will only dispense antibiotics for anthrax.
• The medication is free to everyone.
• No one will be asked for proof of residence, citizenship status or personal identification.
• Tarrant County Public Health uses a head of household dispensing model.  This means that one adult can pick up medications for all the members in their household as long as they can answer a few basic questions for each person: name, date of birth, gender and allergies.  This reduces the volume of people at each POD and allows for faster dispensing times.
• PODs will not treat sick people.  If you are sick, you must report to your primary care physician, hospital or urgent care site.
• Lines will be very long, be prepared to wait for a while.  Everyone will need to be patient. Many people will need to pick up medication.

How can I prepare if I need to present at a POD Site?
 

• Fill out your household’s Health Screening Consent Form ahead of time.  This will be available online at the Tarrant County website when PODs are activated.
• Bring a list of medications you and your children are currently taking.
• If you are going to a walk-thru POD, dress appropriately for weather and standing.
• If you are going to a drive-thru POD, ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
• Bring a snack, water and any medication you may need to take on a schedule.
• If possible, leave your children and other family members at home.  Fewer people at the POD will allow for more efficient dispensing.

Additional Information

For more information on the Strategic National Stockpile, please visit the Center of Disease Control information site: http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/stockpile/stockpile.htm

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