Oakdale Leader
May 11, 2005

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency will lead a Simulated Preparedness Exercise (disaster drill) on May 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock. The event will simulate a response to a smallpox outbreak.

As many as 1,000 volunteers are needed from community for this simulated preparedness event. The first 500 volunteers who register will receive a free “Disaster Preparedness Kit” (only one per family).

Volunteers have an opportunity to learn more about what local health officials are doing to protect the community as well as help medical professionals test their ability to mass dispense medication to prevent the spread of disease.

As the lead public health agency for the citizens of Stanislaus County, HSA will conduct a Simulated Preparedness Event to test the agency’s plans and capabilities to ensure readiness and community preparedness procedures are in place in case of a real threat. Other participating organizations include Doctors Medical Center, Emanuel Medical Center, Memorial Hospital, Oak Valley Hospital and the Stanislaus Surgical Hospital.

“We are pleased to be taking a proactive effort to improve the health of our community,” stated Dr. John Walker, public health officer. “Emergency preparedness is an important issue for us. The exercise will test out emergency plans and procedures so that we are prepared for this type of emergency.”

People interested in volunteering for the event should call Virginia Madueno at 863-0300.