October 15, 2008
The drive-in flu shot clinic proved to be very popular.
Bethel prepares for a public health emergency
By Tiffany Zulkosky
The Bethel Mass Dispensing exercise took place Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in six locations scattered throughout the community.
In an effort to simulate a public health emergency, 85-100 volunteers from the community and several health agencies within Bethel provided the flu vaccine at no cost to families.
"The final count of vaccines distributed was 621, an increase of nearly 200 vaccines from the 2007 exercise," said Yolanda Smith, PHN and Clinic Manager for the 2008 exercise. "Rather than bringing everyone into a large group, where an actual infectious disease has a greater chance of spreading, we simulated isolation through the six-location exercise. This way, in the face of an outbreak, we would be able to minimize the rapid spread of infection."
The locations included: Public Health Center, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, ONC's Senior Center, Bethel United Pentecostal Church, State of Alaska Trooper Post, and AVCP's Joe Lomack building.
The Public Health Center created a drive-through format that allowed community members to receive vaccines without leaving their cars. Also, a mobile unit set up various locations including the City Hall building and at the McCann Treatment Center.
"I am very happy with the turnout," said Jeffrey Conner, Director of Safety and Security and Clinic Co-Manager for the 2008 exercise. "This was the first time for having six mobile units and we provided nearly 700 vaccines, which is what was distributed a couple of years ago when our community was at the peak of a pandemic scare. I look forward to our continued work with the City of Bethel and Public Health."
