CDC and Biohazards: The SNS Program Essay Example

in the United States or its territories. The initial support is offered through the 12-hour Push Packages, which store medicines, antidotes, and medical equipment for expeditious delivery to an affected area during the early stages of a crisis. These packages are securely stored in key locations and can be dispatched to a specified site within 12 hours of federal decision to deploy SNS assets.

In the event that extra medications or medical supplies are needed, the subsequent vendor managed inventory (VMI) supplies will be sent and should arrive no later than 36 hours after the incident. If the agent is well defined, then the VMI can be customized to provide specific pharmaceuticals, supplies, and/or products needed for the suspected or confirmed agent(s). This makes VMI an ideal immediate response option for the SNS Program. To ensure that the SNS Program assets are adequate and up-to-date, HHS and CDC take into account various factors such as current biological and/or chemical threats, availability of medical supplies, and ease of pharmaceutical dissemination.

The medical vulnerability of the U.S. civilian population plays a major role in determining SNS composition. To maintain the potency shelf-life limits, the SNS Program conducts quarterly QA/QC checks on all 12-hour Push Packages, an annual 100% inventory of all items, and inspections of environmental conditions, security, and overall package maintenance.

During an emergency of national proportions, medical supplies from the state, local, and private sectors will run out rapidly. The SNS provides support to state and local officials in responding to such emergencies with a combination of VMI or a 12-hour Push Package, depending on the situation. However, it is essential to note that the SNS

is not an initial response tool. The SNS Program is fully committed to distributing 12-hour Push Packages to any location within the United States.

Within 12 hours of a federal decision to deploy, Push Packages are available for immediate loading onto trucks or commercial cargo aircraft for rapid transportation to states or territories. Simultaneously, the Technical Advisory Response Unit (TARU) will deploy to coordinate with state and local officials, ensuring efficient reception and distribution of SNS assets upon arrival. Once the SNS materiel arrives at the designated receiving and storage site, HHS transfers authority to state and local authorities.

After the 12-hour Push Package is received, state and local authorities will distribute it with assistance and guidance from SNS TARU members who will remain on site. The decision to deploy SNS assets will be based on signs indicating the overt release of an agent that could negatively impact public health or more subtle indicators like unusual morbidity and mortality detected through the nation's epidemiology network. In the event of a biological or chemical incident or national emergency, the affected state's governor's office should request the deployment of SNS assets directly from CDC or HHS. The situation will then be assessed by HHS, CDC, and other federal officials who will determine a prompt action plan.