Get Healthy: Preparedness exercise aids in community readiness

This column addresses topics related to the health of our community.

What would you do if there was a public health emergency here in Carson City? With an upcoming Mass Dispensing Exercise, Carson City Health and Human Services hopes to take a step towards answering that question.

From 4-6 p.m. Thursday, the Health Department plans to practice how we would distribute medications that would be needed by community members in the event of a health emergency, like an anthrax scare. Since this is not a real health emergency, no actual medications will be given out. Instead, community members who participate will be given a gift card as a thank you for taking time to help our community practice this important drill.

How to Participate

What: Emergency Preparedness Practice Drill

Where: Carson City Senior Citizens Center, 911 Beverly Dr.

When: Thursday, May 12, 2011, 4-6 p.m.

Who: Head-of-Household (or other adult family member)

Download the Screening Form at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or pick up a form at the event.

Only One adult member of each household should complete the form with information about ALL members of the household.

Bring the completed form to the Senior Center from 4-6 p.m. Thursday.

Gift Cards will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 1,000 participants.

• Only ONE person per household can get a gift card

• Please DO NOT come early - NO parking allowed before 3 p.m.

To complete the form, you will need the following information:

• Name and date of birth for each household member

• Weight of children younger than 12 years old

• Knowledge of each household member's medication allergies, if any

Call 283-7905 for more information.

The upcoming exercise is made possible through cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Nevada State Health Division. The support and participation of community members allows plans to be made and improved so that our community is as safe and healthy as it can be.

For more information about Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycar soncity.org or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cchhs.