In light of September 11^th, Hurricane Katrina, and the threat of a flu pandemic, emergency preparedness has never been more critical. Cities and towns across Massachusetts have been working with federal and state officials to address future disasters and acts of bioterrorism. Plans for Emergency Dispensing Sites (EDS) are being completed.

What is an Emergency

Dispensing Site (EDS)?

Community-based Emergency Dispensing Sites are places that can be set up in an emergency to rapidly administer vaccines or medications to a large number of people. These sites could be activated for anything from a local disease outbreak to a flu pandemic or a bioterrorist event.

We hope that we never have to activate our EDS plan but we must be prepared to do so.

To accomplish this task, the Brockton Board of Health has joined with the Massasoit Community College Division of Nursing & Allied Health, and the Boards of Health in the towns of Abington and Rockland to form The Brockton Area Reserve Corps (MRC).

Bring Your Skills, Energy

& Enthusiasm! Training

Will Be Provided

Whether you are a first time or seasoned volunteer, we need your help! Training will be provided both before and at the time of the emergency. Some of the trainings could include:

* Basic overview of Emergency Dispensing Sites

* Smallpox Vaccination training

* Incident Command System

* Live training exercises that simulate a public

health emergency

For a Volunteer/Medical Reserve Corps Application Please Contact the Brockton Board of Health