Emergency Preparedness

In the event general population shelters are established in Adair County, the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness works with local Emergency Management and Red Cross to coordinate public health services, basic medical care, and functional needs support services. 

Examples of potential services provided include:

• Observation, assessment and maintenance of Individuals with minor health/medical conditions
• Assistance with personal care or activities of daily living
• Assistance obtaining, managing and administering medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
• Assistance obtaining and utilizing durable medical equipment and medical supplies

In a public health emergency that exceeds the community’s ability to manage human fatalities, the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness will coordinate with the Adair County Medical Coroner and other community partners to effectively respond.

Certain public health emergencies may require the administration of large numbers of vaccines or medication in a short period of time. 

The Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness will coordinate the Adair County Department of Health’s response which may include Points of Dispensing (POD). POD sites are typically large facilities (fair grounds, churches,  universities, colleges, high schools) located throughout the County. Depending on the nature of the medical emergency PODs may have to operate 24 hours a day for several days. Adair County Health Department has agreements with numerous locations throughout the County to operate PODs in the event of an emergency.

Medical Surge is the capability to rapidly expand the capacity of the existing healthcare system (long-term care facilities, community health agencies, acute care facilities, alternate care facilities, and public health departments) in order to provide assessment and subsequent medical care.

Adair County is prepared to receive, process, and distribute medication, supplies, and equipment to Points of Distribution (POD) sites and hospitals throughout the County.