Emergency Preparedness Exercise to be Held
in City of Poughkeepsie on February 28th
Poughkeepsie… The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) will conduct a coordinated medical countermeasure drill exercise from 9:45 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Circle of Courage Learning Center, located at 160 Union Street in the City of Poughkeepsie.
The exercise will simulate an infectious disease outbreak and evaluate the Department’s ability to provide vaccines, antibiotics and antitoxins in the event of a large-scale medical emergency.
“As part of our commitment toward becoming a healthier, safer, stronger county, we will be testing our ability to respond to an infectious disease outbreak,” said Margaret Hirst, LCSW-R, Acting Commissioner of Behavioral & Community Health.
Ms. Hirst said the Department’s objectives will include effective communication, special needs accommodations and the provision of medications to affected individuals. DBCH staff is in need of 20 volunteers of all ages and abilities to play the roles of Dutchess County residents exposed to an infectious disease.
Individuals interested in volunteering should contact DBCH by February 24th at HealthInfo@DutchessNY.gov or by calling (845) 486-3534. Registered volunteers will receive further information regarding the event details.
Simultaneously, departments of health in the Hudson Valley, along with hospitals, emergency management and emergency medical services, will be participating in the New York State preparedness exercise.
“Our thanks to the many volunteers and our Medical Reserve Corps who will also be assisting us throughout the day,” Ms. Hirst said.
