Mass Antibiotic Dispensing: Alternate Methods A Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) and Public Health Training Network Webcast Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Originally aired August 03, 2006 Course Overview As operational planning for a mass prophylaxis campaign continues to evolve, CDC’s Division of Strategic National Stockpile documents and shares best practices from the field through this Mass Antibiotic Dispensing broadcast series. This program, the sixth in the Mass Antibiotic Dispensing series, focuses on giving planners ideas for alternate methods of providing prophylaxis to their populations in an emergency. State and local SNS planners have suggested that it may not be possible to provide prophylaxis to the entire community in 48 hours using only the traditional Point of Dispensing (POD) model. Alternate methods of dispensing, such as using drive-through dispensing or pushing medications to businesses, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities, may be necessary in addition to PODs. This program describes several alternate methods of dispensing that planners can consider as they develop their comprehensive dispensing plans. Planners from state and local public health agencies will discuss the alternate dispensing methods they have devised and exercised in their communities. Subject Matter Experts identify the challenges and opportunities associated with pushing medication to large employers in the community or delivering medication to sheltered-in populations, such as those in nursing care or assisted living facilities. Goal To assist state and local SNS planners to develop a comprehensive approach to mass antibiotic dispensing that they can implement in their communities. Objectives Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be able to: * Describe five mass antibiotic dispensing modalities * Define push versus pull method of mass antibiotic dispensing * List two push modes of mass antibiotic dispensing * Identify two issues associated with dispensing antibiotics to large employers Target Audience This broadcast is designed for the state and local Strategic National Stockpile planners, terrorism planners, and health departments. Presenters Richard Besser, MD, Director, Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Ruth Thornburg, MA, MS, Public Information and Communication Specialist, Division of Strategic National Stockpile, Coordinating Office of Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention