Proper preparation and response may be critical during a public health emergency. At District 4 Public Health, we provide training and resources for our partners, as well as education and instruction for community members, to ensure our community is prepared for the unexpected. We collaborate with every level of emergency management — local, state, and federal — developing effective strategies and relaying the most current information to our residents.
Strategic National Stockpile
The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) provides potentially lifesaving medication when local resources are running out during a public health emergency that requires medication or vaccines to prevent disease. The lifesaving medication is distributed by Open Points of Distribution (POD) or Closed Points of Distribution (POD). Open POD sites which are open to the public and can be in a parking lot, school, or another large area. Closed POD sites are private locations where an organization provides the medication for free to their employees and their families.
Closed POD Partners
To enroll as a Closed Point of Distribution (POD) Partner, complete this form and submit via its instructions.
How PODs are used:
- PODs may be drive-thru or walk-thru.
- PODs are set up to provide medicines or vaccines that will prevent disease to the public.
- PODs are NOT for treatment if someone is already sick.
PODs provide medicines like:
- Antibiotics (bacteria)
- Antivirals (virus)
- Vaccines
It is important to only get medicines from official sources. Find out what, when and where PODs are opening and what YOU need to bring by following trusted news sources.
Preparing for Disaster
- Pack a Disaster Kit with a two-week supply
- Develop a Family Emergency and Communications Plan
- Subscribe to FEMA Emergency Alerts.
Natural disasters
Man-made disasters
Recovering From Disaster
Medical Reserve Corps
The Medical Reserve Corps of West Georgia is a local group of citizen volunteers who make their communities stronger, safer and better prepared to respond to emergencies.
The Medical Reserve Corps may be called upon for:
- Assisting with receiving and distribution of medical supplies and equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile
- Staffing vaccine clinics
- Providing medical care in alternate care facilities, in the event that the hospital infrastructure is damaged or overwhelmed
To become a volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps of West Georgia, apply here. For more information, visit the Medical Reserve Corps website or call 706.594.1416.