Should an emergency, such as a bioterrorism event, natural disaster or infectious disease outbreak, occur in Michigan, hundreds of pharmacy professionals would be urgently needed to dispense medications from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to protect the public and save lives. Pharmacy professionals would be volunteering at a community-based dispensing site away from the "hot zone" of an event.
Explore the role of the community pharmacist in emergency preparedness.
MI Volunteer Registry
The MI Volunteer Registry was launched January 2006 by the Michigan Department of Community Health Office of Public Health Preparedness. A growing list of willing volunteers from the state of Michigan and out-of-state border counties is currently being maintained.
The purpose of this system is to provide a secure, electronic environment for volunteers to indicate their volunteer interests and contact information. In the event of an accidental, natural or intentional public health emergency, or other public or healthcare disaster, the registry functions as the central location for volunteer information. The information can be queried and appropriate volunteers contacted by e-mail or text pager (if appropriate).
Individuals interested in volunteering can indicate their interests and contact information in a secure, electronic environment. Using that information, volunteers will be contacted by authorized personnel. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, behavioral health, emergency medical services personnel, ancillary support staff and other individuals interested in helping are encouraged to register. Volunteers will also have access to topical information regarding specific events, exercises and drills, or general knowledge and training.
Join the MI Volunteer Registry.
Potassium Iodide Pills Available to Those Living Near Nuclear Power Plants
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is offering potassium iodide pills to people living, working or visiting within 10 miles of the state's nuclear power plants. If a nuclear power plant incident occurs, taking the pills is recommended within a few hours of exposure to radioactive iodide as an additional health protective measure. Beginning Oct. 1, 2009, a one-day supply of potassium iodide will be available at no cost at specific pharmacies. For more information, visit the MDCH Web site.
Emergency Preparedness Online Courses
Take advantage of a number of emergency preparedness courses on MITRAIN.
Current programs
MEDRUNN/Chempack CE program, Course ID# 1013097
This web-based, self-study training module provides information on the Michigan Emergency Drug Delivery Utilization Network (MEDDRUN), Chempack and the Strategic National Stockpile programs. These programs provide emergency pharmaceuticals in the event of a chemical, radiological, biological, nuclear or explosive event. This module is provided for any emergency responder, pharmacist or emergency healthcare personnel.
Log-in Instructions
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Go to https://mi.train.org.
- Go to “Set up a new TRAIN account” and click “Create Account.” You must read and agree with all TRAIN policies.
- Once the account has been created, click on “course search.”
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Search for Course ID#.
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Click on “registration.”
- Select the credit type of “CEU/CE” and click on “launch.”
- The course will appear. Follow instructions in the course to navigate.
Resources
March 24, 2010
Karoub Associates, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI
With the ever increasing cost of health care, it has never been more critical to promote healthy lifestyle...
