Delco Earns Highest Rating For Medical Countermeasure Readiness

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — If Delaware County ever suffers a major medical incident, residents should know they are in great hands.

According to officials, Delaware County earned an “Established” rating during a Medical Countermeasures Operational Readiness Review (MCM ORR); the highest rating possible.

One June 11 the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Public Health Preparedness reported that Delaware County is the only jurisdiction in the state and only the second jurisdiction in the United States to achieve a rating of “Established,” which is the highest possible rating.

The Medical Counter Measures (MCM)/Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is the United States’ national repository of vaccines, antibiotics and other types of medications, medical equipment, and supplies that may be needed in the event of a public health emergency such as a terrorist attack, flu outbreak, or natural disaster.

Once Federal, Commonwealth and County authorities determine that a MCM activation is needed, medicines and/or supplies and equipment would be delivered to the affected counties for distribution to the general population by local public health authorities within 48 hours.

“Delaware County is fortunate to have a mature and robust MCM Program,” said Lori Devlin, Director of Delaware County’s Department of Intercommunity Health.

Devlin commended the dedicated MCM team from Emergency Management, Intercommunity Health, healthcare partners, Aquila Strategy and Operations Group, the PA Dept. of Health, Delaware County School Districts and numerous other partners and stakeholders who work diligently to ensure that the County is prepared to respond in the event of a public health emergency.

The Centers For Disease Control's goal is that all jurisdictions achieve “Established”-rated MCM programs on or before June 30, 2022.

The MCM ORR includes aspects of several functions and associated performance measures in seven of the CDC’s 15 public health preparedness and response capabilities including: Community Preparedness, Emergency Operations Coordination, Emergency Public Information and Warning, Medical Countermeasure Dispensing and Administration, Medical Material Management and Distribution, Responder Safety/Health and Volunteer Management.

Delaware County has actively and aggressively operated the MCM program (formerly known as SNS) since 2005.

Success of the program is due to the dedication of many partners and stakeholders as well as the active involvement and enduring support from Delaware County Council and Executive Director.

Although already having achieve the highest rating possible, the DELCO MCM program and leaders will continue the rigorous process of planning, educating, training, and exercising all MCM functions and sites to ensure the well-being of the residents of the county in the event of a major health emergency.