Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to
Understand the Division of Strategic National Stockpile (DSNS) and it's mission
Know what vaccines are contained in the Strategic National Stockpile
Explain the roles of the state and local authorities upon receipt of SNS vaccines



Background:
The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has a single mission- deliver critical medical assets to the site of a national emergency.
In 1999, Congress charged HHS and the CDC with the establishment of the SNS. The initial mission was to provide a re-supply of large quantities of essential medical materiel to states and communities during an emergency within twelve hours of the federal decision to deploy. This target still applies to many of the assets in the SNS, with certain exceptions.
The DSNS works with governmental and non-governmental partners to upgrade the nation's public health capacity to respond to a national emergency. Currently SNS houses the nation's supply of Smallpox, Anthrax, and other essential vaccines.
Critical to the success of this initiative is ensuring capacity is developed at federal, state and local levels to receive, stage, and dispense SNS assets.



Setting:
Public health settings whether in a man-made or natural disaster


Population:
Entire U.S. civilian population


Project Description:
DSNS can respond with appropriate vaccines and ancillary supplies when the federal decision to deploy assets is made. Receipt, storage, and distribution of the vaccines will fall under the local authorities' domain.


Results/Lessons Learned:
Public health professionals who are trained in receipt, storage, and distribution of SNS assets become more aware of the logistical challenges in the communities they serve. This awareness can have a profound effect on the delivery of public health interventions to targeted communities, particularly those suffering from disaster.