In health-related emergencies, the Federal government and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) work together to safeguard residents and visitors with lifesaving medications and devices.
The DOH plays a vital role in distributing lifesaving medications and devices through the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), which is administered by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to provide rapid access to pharmaceuticals during disasters, biological attacks, or pandemics. This cache can be sent quickly to any state if local hospitals and pharmacies will not have enough medical countermeasures to meet the general public’s demand. These are often distributed through Point of Dispensing (POD).
Point of Dispensing
Point of Dispensing (POD) is a designated location where the public can receive medications or vaccines during a health emergency. Typically set up in accessible venues like schools or community centers, PODs focus solely on distributing medications quickly. Routine medical care is not provided. During a public health crisis, the DOH will activate PODs to deliver essential medications and vaccines to those affected. The sole purpose of a POD is to distribute medication or vaccines quickly to large numbers of people during a public health emergency to prevent illness.