Multi-Agency Preparedness Exercise to Take Place in Durham on Wednesday
Local, state, federal officials to test mass dispensing capabilities

DURHAM, N.C. – Motorists passing Rogers-Herr Middle School may see an unusually large presence of first responders on Wednesday, October 7. However, it will only be a drill, preparing for a real-life emergency event.

The Durham County Department of Public Health, in collaboration with its local preparedness partners, will simulate the opening and operation of a mass Point of Dispensing (POD) site. The exercise, which is not open to the public and required to meet state and federal requirements, will test Public Health’s plan to provide medication in the event of a large scale biological/chemical release or natural disaster in Durham County.

As a result of Public Health staff involvement with the exercise, the Department of Public Health will be closed on Wednesday. For Public Health emergencies during the closure, including communicable disease reporting, environmental health and suspected foodborne illnesses, please call 911 and ask for the Public Health’s response team member on-call.

“Exercises, such as this one, are critical to ensure operational readiness between Public Health, levels of government, and our community partners, says Durham County Public Health Director Gayle B. Harris. “The lessons that we learn will allow us to refine and enhance our plans to better serve Durham County’s residents under critical emergency time constraints.”

For more information about Public Health’s Preparedness Program or for volunteer Medical Reserve Corps opportunities, contact coordinator Pat Gentry at 919-560-7102 or e-mail pgentry@dconc.gov.

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