June 8, 2006
News media calls to David Hass at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7374.

DuPage County receives highest federal rating for plans to distribute emergency medications, supplies

DuPage County has received a “Green Rating” from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its plans to distribute the Strategic National Stockpile of emergency medications and supplies.

The Green Rating is the highest available and follows a site visit to the health department in April. The health department, the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, other county agencies, regional and state partners, in coordination with all county municipalities have worked diligently over the past years to develop this comprehensive plan. According to the CDC, the “current DuPage County plan is exceptional.”

“This exceptional rating once again demonstrates that the health department is working in a thorough and professional way to prepare DuPage County in the event of a large emergency which requires medications and supplies from the federal government,” said Linda Kurzawa, president of the DuPage County Board of Health.

The federal report praised the planning and coordination with county and state offices and for providing communications equipment at distribution and dispensing sites. The health department was also credited with coordinating plans with county and local partners, including all hospitals in DuPage County.

The CDC site review addressed the following categories: Overall preparedness, developing an SNS plan, command and control, requesting SNS, management of SNS operations, tactical communication, public information and communication, security, regional/local distribution site, controlling SNS inventory, distribution, dispensing oral meds, treatment center coordination and training, exercising and evaluation.

“We promote health, prevent illness, and provide quality service”