For Citizens
The Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) is a federally funded program coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The program focuses on the preparedness of the nation’s major metropolitan areas. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) consists of Marion, Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, Brown, and Putnam Counties.
Through CRI, Marion County Public Health Department has developed plans to respond to a large-scale bioterrorist event within 48 hours. These plans have been created to ensure preventive medications can be dispensed to 100% of the population of the Indianapolis MSA within the allotted 48 hours. Additionally, as a result of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006 Marion County Public Health in conjunction with our MSA partners and the Indiana State Department of Health have adapted existing plans to emphasize an All-Hazards approach to public health preparedness planning.
For more information click here.
For Business
Continuity of business is essential for the business and the larger community as a whole during and after all manner of emergencies; a bioterror attack is no exception. The Marion County Public Health Department is currently looking to provide a more targeted and efficient approach to medication dispensing in the event of a bioterror attack by partnering with businesses within Marion County. Through collaboration with business partners in Marion County approximately 62% of the Marion County’s population can be provided prophylactic medication by targeting businesses with an employee population of 500 or more.
Businesses may wish to consider becoming a Closed Point of Dispensing (POD) as a means of creating a more robust Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Business plan. A Closed POD is a site within your facility where you provide the necessary medications for your staff as well as their families.
Benefits of operating a Closed POD
- Staff know their employer is concerned for their welfare and is ensuring their safety
- Minimal interruption to current business activities
- Collaboration with local health department and first responders
- Continued business operations are good for the company, the staff, the community, and the economy
If you are interested in learning more about your business becoming a Closed POD click here.