Monday, October 4, 2004

Atlantic County tests Public Health Emergency Response Plans

The Atlantic County Division of Public Health put its emergency response plans to the test as it organized and staffed a mock, mass community clinic on Saturday, October 2 during which 300 volunteers were "treated" for possible exposure to tularemia, a potentially fatal disease.

The exercise took place on the campus of Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing. Atlantic County was one of five agencies to carry out mass clinic exercises on Saturday as part of a statewide test of emergency response plans. The others were Monmouth, Passaic and Warren counties and the City of Newark.

"This exercise is just one of many steps we are taking to combat the threat of terrorism by reinforcing our preparation and response activities," stated Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson. "With the support of our community volunteers, we were able to test our response to a simulated emergency, identify areas of strength and address potential weaknesses."

He further explained that in the event of certain public health emergencies or acts of bioterrorism, such mass clinics may be necessary to provide residents with necessary antibiotics or immunizations to prevent them from becoming ill and disease from spreading.

Atlantic County's simulated emergency scenario involved a suspected bioterrorism attack in which hundreds of individuals were at risk for exposure to tularemia, a very infectious illness that is caused by a bacterium found in rodents and rabbits, among other animals.

The exercise involved registering, screening and educating possible victims of exposure prior to their receiving simulated antibiotics. Volunteers portrayed victims who represented various populations within the community, including those with special needs, such as non-English speaking residents, individuals with physical and mental disabilities and those with literacy issues.

In addition to testing the staff's ability to administer medications to the masses, it tested its ability to recruit, activate and coordinate volunteers to assist in the operation of a mass clinic. Approximately 120 community members provided staff support during the exercise. They included retired nurses and pharmacists, members of local Scout troops and civic organizations.

The Division of Public Health is continually recruiting volunteers to join its Public Health Reserve Corps to provide such assistance in the event of public health emergencies, including bioterrorism and the outbreak of naturally occurring illness. Interested residents may call 645-5853 for more information.

"We appreciate the efforts of the community volunteers who have joined with the Division of Public Health to protect their neighbors in times of emergency," said Patricia Diamond, Atlantic County Deputy Health Officer.

Diamond also acknowledged several local agencies involved in planning and conducting the exercise: Atlantic Cape Community College, the Atlantic City Health Department, the Atlantic/Cumberland Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the county's Office of Emergency Preparedness, Sheriff's Office, and Division of Intergenerational Services.

For more information, please call Howard J. Kyle, Chief of Staff, at (609) 343-2223.

County News