Open Point of Dispensing (POD)

An Open POD is set up for the general population in strategic locations throughout the community. Open PODs are operated by public health experts and volunteers.

An Open POD involves the following activities:

• Setting up and executing a mass medication dispensing operation to serve potentially exposed populations before they become symptomatic.

• Locating and coordinating the personnel to staff the dispensing operation.

• Providing the public with information about community efforts to protect them from the threat.

• Isolating symptomatic individuals and arranging to transport them to acute care facilities, if needed.

• Training and organizing volunteers to perform POD site functions.