During a health emergency, a large number of people may need medicines or vaccines. Because few state or local governments have the resources to buy and store sufficient stockpiles of medicine on their own, the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) was created. Local agencies can request this stockpile, or a portion of it, in the event of a major disaster. The federal Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established the SNS in 1999.
The SNS has more than just vaccines and medicines.
The Stockpile has many items that would be helpful during a large-scale natural disaster or act of terrorism. The SNS includes pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical supplies, and medical equipment to enhance depleted state and local resources for responding to terrorist attacks and other emergencies. These critical medical assets are based on "Category A" Threat Agents. Smallpox, anthrax, botulism, viral hemorrhagic fevers, plague, tularemia, and chemical Nerve Agents are classified as Category A bioterrorism agents. If the biological or chemical agent is known, the Stockpile can provide large shipments of specific materi.
The request for the Stockpile's assets must come from the Governor or the Governor's designee at the request of a county or region. States and local governments must have a procedure in place to assure efficient delivery to possibly exposed individuals.
El Dorado County officials have developed a plan to ensure that we are prepared to request and receive the SNS in order to protect the health of our community in the event of a large-scale public health emergency.
Also see: Point of Dispensing (POD) Site