Volunteers needed for a disaster exercise
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Hundreds of volunteers are being sought to take part in a one of the state's largest exercises to test local disaster preparedness, particularly in the event of a bioterrorism attack.
Aug. 11 — 8 a.m. to noon at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Call Cassy Shinabarger of the American Red Cross at 739-8109 or e-mail shinabargerc@hawaii.rr.com by July 30. Aug. 12 — 8 a.m. to noon at Baldwin High School Auditorium, Maui. Call Erica Getty at 244-0051 or e-mail mauiredcross@hawaii.rr.com by July 30. Parking and refreshments will be provided at both events.
The Strategic National Stockpile Exercise, sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will test the state Department of Health's mass prophylaxis clinics. The clinics would be set up to deal with large groups of people who need medications or vaccinations during a public health emergency.
Play a 'victim'
To test the department's readiness, hundreds of "actors" will be needed Aug. 11 on O'ahu and Aug. 12 on Maui. The volunteers would be given a specific ailment or disability and receive pretend medications and antidotes.
Organizers also hope to attract a large number of non-English speakers with special needs.
"The goal is really to exercise clinic flow, as well as many of our internal procedures," said Darcie Yukimura, Health Department spokeswoman.
The Strategic National Stockpile is a federal cache of emergency supplies, which include antidotes, vaccinations, medications and other items needed for emergencies. Yukimura said the federal government would provide these items to states "in a very timely manner" in case of emergencies.
Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8025.
