Town of Northbridge

Board of Health

7 Main Street

Whitinsville, MA 01588

Phone: (508) 234-3272 -  Fax: (508) 234-0821

Massachusetts

Emergency Preparedness & Planning

 

Emergency Dispensing Sites

 

The Board of Health has drafted plans for the operation of an Emergency Dispensing Site (EDS). An EDS would be utilized to vaccinate or distribute antibiotics to the residents of Northbridge in the event of a communicable disease outbreak, flu or other type of pandemic event, or an act of terrorism.

The objective of the EDS plan is to initiate operations within 24-hours of notification of an event and to provide initial treatment to 80% of the population within 48 hours and to provide for the remaining 20% over the next 72 hours.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has provided guidance and funding to the cities and towns through Regional Host Agencies to assist in Emergency Preparedness and Planning.

The Region 2 Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition consists of 74 cities and towns in Central Massachusetts. The Coalition is administered by an Executive Committee and governed by its Steering Committee. The Steering Committee consists of one member from each of the 74 communities it represents.

 

The link to the Region 2 Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition web site is provided below. 

Volunteers

 

The successful operation of an Emergency Dispensing Site relies heavily upon the service of volunteers. The types of volunteers needed range in task from greeters and administrative personnel, to nursing and physician services, as well as child care service providers and operators of a food service department.

 

The Northbridge Board of Health has begun a recruitment effort focusing on health professionals. We now hope to expand that list with individuals wishing to serve in any role the EDS requires. If you are interested in serving your town in a volunteer capacity in the event of a public health emergency, please complete the Volunteer Enrollment Form or contact the office at (508) 234-3272 so that we may add your name and contact information to our list of volunteers.

 

In addition to the Northbridge Board of Health recruitment of volunteers, the Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corp (WRMRC) has also begun to recruit, train, and credential volunteers that would be of service to the Town of Northbridge and/or its surrounding communities. You may also choose to enroll in the WRMRC—a link to their web site is shown below.