Mercer County Health Department Tests Emergency Preparations

The Mercer County Health Department was among three departments that recently came together to conduct a full-scale medication distribution exercise that tested their level of preparedness for a public health emergency.

The March 24 exercise also allowed health deaprtments from Mercer, Hunterdon and Somerset counties, which comprise New Jersey’s Central West Region to train together at a single regional venue.

They established a Point of Distribution (POD) site at the West Trenton Firehouse in Ewing, where participating agencies simulated response to an anthrax attack. They demonstrated their ability to work together to distribute medications to a large number of people in a short amount of time.

PODS are opened when a portion of the population is determined to be at great risk of contracting a disease, including after exposure to a biological agent.

At the Ewing site, volunteers representing community residents registered for and received “antibiotics.”

In the exercise, one person picks up medications for their entire household, a quicker and more efficient process than having every household member pick up their own medication.

The establishment of a joint information center also was part of the exercise.

“Local resources may be limited, and partnering with neighboring counties may be the most effective and feasible way to serve those in greatest need during a public health event,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said. “This drill showed our ability to take a regional approach to preparedness, coordination and response. I’m confident its successful completion left us better prepared for a real emergency.”

Hughes said citizens can prepare for a real public health emergency by knowing their household’s allergies to medications; asking their doctor if they can take the antibiotics doxycycline or ciprofloxacin; creating an emergency plan; and talking with their friends and neighbors about their emergency plans.

Organizations participating in the exercise included the New Jersey Department of Health, Mercer County Division of Health, Hunterdon County Division of Health, Somerset County Department of Health; local health departments in Mercer, Hunterdon and Somerset counties; Mercer, Hunterdon and Somerset County Offices of Emergency Management (OEM); Mercer and Somerset County public information officers, Mercer and Hunterdon County Medical Reserve Corps, Mercer and Hunterdon County Community Emergency Response Teams, Ewing Township Police Department and OEM, Salvation Army and Red Cross.

The attached image was provided by Mercer County officials: “Medication” is distributed to volunteers representing community residents during an exercise conducted by health departments from Mercer, Hunterdon and Somerset counties on March 24 at the West Trenton Firehouse in Ewing.