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An effective response to a public health emergency such as a disease outbreak or act of terrorism requires not only access to a large amount of pharmaceuticals, but also the ability to distribute those pharmaceuticals to people in need.

The mission of the Mass Prophylaxis Unit is to plan and prepare for the rapid distribution of protective medications to residents of Los Angeles County that have been exposed or may potentially be exposed to a disease agent. The public health response to an emergency will include the activation and operation of temporary emergency health clinics which will provide medication to those in need. These emergency health clinics are called Points of Dispensing (POD).

The Mass Prophylaxis Unit is working with all 88 cities in Los Angeles County to identify facilities which can be used as POD sites during a public health emergency. In addition, the Mass Prophylaxis Unit is working with these cities to create plans for the use of these facilities as POD sites during an emergency.

POD Project
The Mass Prophylaxis Unit is currently in the process of identifying and creating plans for the use of POD sites in all 88 cities within the County. During fiscal year 2007-2008, our goal is to create 107 of these plans. This project will also continue into fiscal year 2008-2009.

POD Training and Exercises
Staff training and readiness is an ongoing mission of this Department. The Mass Prophylaxis Unit assists in training Public Health staff to operate a POD, and also assists in conducting POD drills and exercises to promote readiness and keep our skills sharp. In fall of 2007, the Department of Public Health teamed up with the cities of Torrance, Calabasas, Santa Clarita, Temple City, and Los Angeles to run a series of POD exercises. The department is planning to run a similar series of POD exercises this fall as well.

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