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Strategic
National Stockpile
The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is a national repository of antibiotics, chemical antidotes,
antitoxins, life-support medications, intravenous administration, airway maintenance supplies,
and medical/surgical items. It is designed to supplement and re-supply state and local public health
agencies in the event of a national emergency anywhere and at anytime within the U.S. or its territories.
The
governor of the affected state or territory must
request SNS. Federal officials at the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human
Services will evaluate the request and determine a course of action. All agencies are aware of the critical
element of time in a public health emergency. National, state and local planning and training are ongoing
to ensure an appropriate, timely response.
There are two types of the stockpile. One is a 12-hour push package that is designed to provide rapid delivery
of a broad spectrum of items in the early stages of an emergency before much is known about the agent involved
or the type of event. The other type of SNS is the vendor managed inventory (VMI) supplies, which will be shipped
to arrive within 24-36 hours. It can be tailored to provide the supplies needed for a specific agent.
A Technical Advisory Response Unit (TARU) will arrive with SNS assets. This unit will assist and advise
state and local officials in speedy and effective use of the stockpile.
Counties are prepared to set up
points of dispensing for the public. The public will be instructed via various means where to go for
medicines and supplies. Any SNS assets remaining will be returned to CDC.
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Jerry Rhodes,
Acting
Strategic National Stockpile Coordinator
Bureau For Public Health, Threat Preparedness
505 Capitol St, Suite 200
Charleston WV 25301
(304) 558-6900 ext 2007
jerryrhodes@wvdhhr.org
Elizabeth J. Scharman, Pharm.D., DABAT, BCPS, FAACT
Deputy, SNS Coordinator
(304) 347-1212
escharman@hsc.wvu.edu
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