Emergency response plans are in place and include procedures for providing medications or vaccines to everyone in Maricopa County if a large-scale public health emergency occurs. Key to our plans is setting up and operating of Points of Dispensing to distribute medications.
What is a Point of Dispensing, or POD?
A Point of Dispensing (POD) is a designated location used to quickly distribute medications or vaccines during an emergency. PODs do not offer medical care.
How are volunteers involved?
In the event of a public health emergency where large numbers of people need to receive medications or vaccines, volunteers will help set up and operate PODs throughout Maricopa County.
How many volunteers are needed?
Given the large geographic area and increasing population of Maricopa County, we will need several thousands of volunteers to help operate PODs. It is important that volunteers be familiar with our emergency response plans and trained to work in a POD before an emergency happens.
Where will PODs be located?
PODs will be set up in communities throughout Maricopa County so that everyone in the county will have a POD in their area. In the event of an emergency, POD locations will be revealed to the public.
What types of events would require use of PODs?
PODs would be set up if a large number of people needed to receive medications or vaccines quickly. This might happen in the event of a terrorist attack, chemical release, or widespread illness.
What would happen at a POD?
If PODs are set up, they would be engaged in “mass dispensing” of life-saving medications. Volunteers at the POD would provide these medications to anyone who requests them.
How can I help at a POD?
Become a registered member of the Volunteer Service Group, and learn how to help your friends and neighbors in the event of a public health emergency.