Mass Dispensing and Point of Dispensing Activities
In close collaboration with local health departments/districts and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) , the Yale Center for Public Health Preparedness (Yale CPHP) undertakes a wide range of training, exercise, and education activities related to mass dispensing.
Mass dispensing is the term used to describe the dispensing of a medication or vaccine to a large group of people in a short period of time during a public health emergency. This might happen during a widespread infectious disease epidemic caused by smallpox or pandemic influenza.
The temporary clinic where mass dispensing is done is called a Points of Dispensing (POD). In order to achieve successful mass dispensing, a POD must be staffed by a large number of workers and volunteers who perform dispensing and supporting activities. Yale CPHP and the CT DPH have created a draft set of core (non-role specific) POD worker competencies. Based on these competencies, a POD worker training needs assessment was developed and implemented, and survey results were compiled.
Point of Dispensing (POD) Worker Orientation Training
In collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Health, we have launched this training. It provides an orientation to points of dispensing (PODs) intended for POD workers (staff and volunteers). It focuses on universal (non-role specific) POD worker competencies. It is available as a slide set or online course. To access the online course, visit the TRAINConnecticut site and search for course #1010962.
Other Mass Dispensing Links
- National Association of County and City Health Officials, Strategic National Stockpile
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Community-Based Mass Prophylaxis - A Planning Guide for Public Health Preparedness
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Strategic National Stockpile
