Emergency response teams will distribute medication to public
BY PAM DAVIS SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

The Cherokee County Health Department and the Office of Public Health Emergency Response are developing a plan to distribute medication to the general public in the event of any public health emergency incident in or near Cherokee County.

This is a readiness plan under the State of Texas Homeland Security program.

In the event of any public health emergency incident requiring mass distribution of antibiotics, medication, or vaccinations, the response team will open distribution centers throughout Cherokee County.

Volunteers generally fall into three categories:

+Medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, dentist and PA who are licensed to dispense medication

+ Professionals from all areas including teachers, educators, nutrition and physical therapy.

+ Non-medical persons to handle clerical, customer service and other administrative duties

In order to cover all shifts at all distribution centers approximately 600 volunteers will be needed.

With enough volunteers broken into two shifts, volunteers would work one shift per day until distribution is completed. It is anticipated that the distribution would take approximately three days.

Volunteers and their household members will be first to receive any medications that are distributed.

Therefore, volunteers will be at no greater risk than members of the general public coming to the site.

Persons interested in volunteering should contact the Public Health Emergency Response Team by phone at (903) 683-6142 or visit the health department's web site www.cchdtexas.org