NCJ Number
199008
Journal
Homeland First Response Dated: January-March 2003 Pages: 20-21
Date Published
January 2003
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article explains how to receive, protect, and distribute 50 tons of life-saving medical supplies when terrorists strike.
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile (NPS) in 1999 as a highly mobile terrorism-response resource. The NPS includes 12 strategically placed caches of antibiotics, vaccines, antidotes for chemical and nerve agents, antitoxins, supplies for blast injuries and burns, and other medical gear that can be delivered anywhere in the United States within 12 hours. An NPS Technical Advisory Response Unit (TARU) accompanies the push packages to help local officials manage the NPS supplies. The NPS planning guide details what a community must do to prepare for the reception and distribution of the stockpile. The core of the guide describes 12 functions that must be in place. These functions include steps in requesting and managing the NPS. Requests for help typically go through State agencies to the governor, then to Federal agencies, but the director of the CDC can deploy a push package without waiting for the president to activate the Federal response plan. The operation-management function ensures that all NPS functions, from receipt to final recovery of NPS assets, operate smoothly. Other planning functions for the NPS pertain to dispensing, communications and security, the repackaging of pills from bulk containers into individual doses, and training, exercises, and evaluation.