Poughkeepsie… The Dutchess County Department of Health will conduct an emergency preparedness drill on Wednesday, August 12th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in the City of Poughkeepsie.
The exercise, mandated by the New York State Department of Health, will simulate a bioterrorism disaster, and it will evaluate the Dutchess County Department of Health’s ability to provide vaccines, antibiotics, antitoxins and the like in the event of a large-scale medical emergency.
“Dutchess County’s top priority is the well-being of its residents, and preparing for a disaster is the County’s best way to ensure their safety, should the unthinkable happen,” County Executive Marc Molinaro said. “This drill will provide our Department of Health an invaluable opportunity to test the measures already in place, as well as gain feedback to help personnel improve the ways we serve our residents.”
The Department of Health is looking for volunteers to take part in the drill, playing the roles of Dutchess County residents exposed to a biologic agent.
The drill will simulate residents being exposed to a toxin that requires antibiotics to prevent illness. Some 200 volunteers are needed, including children, seniors, and pregnant women.
As this is a drill, no real toxin will be present, and no medication will be given to any volunteer.
“In today’s world, we cannot ignore the possibility of serious threats to public health and public safety,” said Health Commissioner Kari Reiber, MD. “Emergency preparedness drills provide an opportunity for both the public and our staff to be better prepared in the event of a disaster, and to be more comfortable in the role we may be called upon to play.”
Volunteers will be asked to arrive at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.; free parking will be available at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. Volunteers will receive orientation, role-play different scenarios and walk through the clinic process more than once. The drill will end at 11:30 a.m.
Following their participation, volunteers will be asked to fill out an evaluation to give the Department of Health feedback in improving the process.
“We appreciate the support of volunteers, the local community, and local businesses to help make this important exercise a success,” County Executive Molinaro said. “The cooperation of all those involved will help Dutchess County, as a whole, better prepare for such scenarios we hope never become reality.”
To register to volunteer for the drill, residents can click here or call (845) 486-3565.
www.dutchessNY.gov
