What is point of dispensing (POD) and when might a POD be needed? A site where medications or vaccines intended to prevent disease may be given quickly to a large number of people in the event of a public health emergency Needed if: An exposure of an infection is causing illness AND Disease from that infection may be prevented through the use of antibiotics or a vaccine

Local Public Health Responsibility Get medications/ antibiotics (prophylaxis) into 100% of population within 36 hours.

Why 36 Hours? Worst Case Scenario based on Aerosolized Anthrax Spores proliferate, spread and produce toxins rapidly within the lungs when inhaled Life-Threatening infectious disease Not likely but possible Plans can be utilized to address other slower moving health issues such as pandemic flu

8 Public Health Regions in Minnesota Northwest Northeast West Central Central Metro Southwest South Central Southeast

Populations – 2010 Census State of Minnesota – 5,303,925 Metro Counties Total – 2,751,294 – (51% of state) Hennepin (1)– 1,152,425 Ramsey (2) – 508,640 Dakota (3) – 398,552 Anoka (4) – 330,844 Washington (5) – 201,130 Scott (10) – 89,498 Carver (11) – 70,205

Strategies Open Point of Dispensing (POD) Sites Closed Point of Dispensing (POD) Sites Health Care Long-Term Care/ Assisted Living Clinics Home Care Agencies Community Based Organizations Businesses

What are the benefits? Business Continuity/Asset Protection Keep your business open and going Providing prophylaxis will prevent employees, clients and their family members from becoming ill Good for you and for the public who will need supplies and services The Prep Act, passed by Congress in 2005, assures: “…protection from liability…unless wilful misconduct.” Incentive for employees to come to work Good Public Relations Internally – tells your employees that you value them and realize they are your most valuable resource Externally – tells the public that you value your employee along with customers and want to stay open to serve them

How does this help us all? Consistent with basic National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles All disasters begin locally All responses must begin locally Fewer people at Open PODs More people receive prophylaxis in timely manner Less chance of spread of disease Less public fear and chaos

What are we asking of you? To partner with us to fulfill this responsibility by becoming a Closed Point of Dispensing (POD) Prevent the spread of illness by providing prophylaxis Help to decrease the amount of time it takes to dispense to 100% of our population Decrease the number of people who will need to go to an Open Point of Dispensing Site Provide more direct access to needed medications for your employees, clients and their families

What does it require from you? Complete online Closed POD training (less than30 minutes) Develop plans to provide prophylaxis Identify and train people to fill roles within the Closed POD Pick up antibiotics from Local Distribution Node (LDN)

Responsibilities Minnesota Department of Health Triggers antibiotic dispensing Begins distribution of medication Provides authorizations and orders for dispensing Local Public Health Department Notifies Closed POD Distributes medication Communicates key information to partners Closed POD Receives notification and key information Obtains medications Begins dispensing Provides data to local health department