“Anthrax in Autumn,” the practice exercise held last week at Genesee Community College had a great turnout. The exercise held by the Genesee and Orleans (GO) County Heath Departments simulated how antibiotics would be distributed if an anthrax attack occurred in the counties.
“The exercise was a success with 749 mock doses of the antibiotics doxycycline and ciproflaxin dispensed in two hours,” said Al Cheverie, GO Public Health Emergency Preparedness coordinator.
In the event of a public health emergency where residents are in need of medication or vaccination the Local Health Departments would provide this at no cost.
“Exercises like this one help our Public Health Professionals to not only practice serving the public masses but also to partner with agencies to share resources and manpower in the interest of protecting the public’s health in a timely and efficient manner,” said Paul Pettit, GO Public Health director.
Cheverie added, “Thank you to all who helped prepare our community by receiving ‘medication’ and to the hardworking volunteers that assisted in many important ways. A special thanks especially to Genesee Community College, Lake Plains Community Care Network, University at Buffalo, New York State Department of Health, Alleghany Health Department and Wyoming County Health Department.”
If you would like to serve your community in the event of a public health emergency, please contact your local Health Department for more information. Genesee 585-344-2580, ext. 5555, and Orleans 585-589-3279.
