Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113815

Ravikiran Muvva, MPH MBBS, Community Medicine, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV 26506, 304-293-4328, rmuvva@hsc.wvu.edu and Charles Werntz, DO, MPH, Department of Community Medicine, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV 26506.

Pre-event identification of mass prophylaxis clinic locations will speed the opening of these clinics following a disaster or terrorist attack. Assessment of seven proposed Point of Distribution (POD) sites was conducted in a West Virginia county for their preparedness to conduct a mass prophylaxis clinic. A POD is a space for prophylaxis (antibiotic distribution or vaccination) of exposed and potentially ill persons. Each POD was assessed according to CDC and SNS guidelines. Exterior evaluation included number of parking spaces, access roads, fencing and space for a helipad. Interior assessment included dimensions of the usable rooms, position of exits, restrooms, Internet access, and handicap accessibility. A clinic layout was drawn for each POD, staffing requirements and throughput time (time spent by a person from the point of entry to point of exit) were calculated utilizing Weill Cornell mass prophylaxis model. Findings: All of the seven PODs were ill equipped to conduct of mass prophylaxis clinic. The barriers included single access roads, insufficient parking, lack of cell phone reception, and inadequate handicap access. The average staffing requirement for each POD was calculated at 140 staff per day or 980 staff for a three-day campaign. The throughput time was calculated to be 19.5 minutes. To prophylax the entire county population within 3 days using 7 PODs, the average flow must be 3 persons per min/POD. Conclusion: Pre-event evaluation of potential PODs revealed shortcomings in each site. Foreknowledge of these issues allows planning to overcome shortcomings.

Learning Objectives:

• - Describe the benefits to a public health agency from pre-screening potential locations for POD operations
• - Articulate the results of this operation in one county
• - List the measures used to overcome shortcomings in potential PODs

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Disasters

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.