Medical Emergency Distribution System (MEDS)
MEDS POD Overview
Hopkinton’s Medical Emergency Distribution System (MEDS) – Point of Dispensing (POD) plan serves to establish the necessary framework for the effective and efficient mass dispensing of pharmaceuticals or vaccines to the public in the event of a public health emergency. Every municipality in the state is responsible to maintain a MEDS-POD plan that details how and where they will provide emergency medical countermeasures to its residents.
Activation
Events leading to the activation of this plan may include both naturally occurring and intentional public health crises that require the distribution of emergency supplies to the residents of Hopkinton, regionally or statewide. Possible triggers for activation may include (but are not limited to):
An alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the State of Rhode Island’s Department of Health (HEALTH), notifying of a potential or actual public health threat, thus requiring the mass prophylaxis of a large target population.
A determination by HEALTH, through its Division of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology, that a public health emergency has, or may have, occurred, thus requiring the mass prophylaxis of a large target population.
A terrorist has claimed responsibility for causing a public health emergency.
MEDS POD Staffing
The MEDS POD is staffed, to a large extent, by volunteers. Although medical professionals are needed, there are many POD positions that do not require any special certifications or training. Although there is periodic MEDS POD training offered, "just in time" training is provided for volunteers when the plan is activated. To learn about being a part of the volunteer effort, contact ema@hopkintonri.gov
For more information:
Obtaining Medicines During Public Health Emergencies
Centers for Disease Control – Strategic Preparedness and Response