Public Sites
Both Public and Private Point of Dispensing (POD) sites play a vital role in the mass distribution of medication. A Public POD is set up for the general population in strategic locations throughout the community. Public PODs are operated by public health experts and volunteers. A Public POD involves the following activities:

• Setting up and executing a mass medication dispensing operation to serve potentially exposed populations before they become symptomatic
• Locating and coordinating the personnel to staff the dispensing operation
• Providing the public with information about community efforts to protect them from the threat
• Isolating symptomatic individuals and arranging to transport them to acute care facilities, if needed 
• Training and organizing Community Heroes volunteers to perform POD site functions

Private Sites
A Private POD is designated for specific groups that are pre-trained to dispense medications to their member populations. For instance, a Private POD may be used to protect first-responders in a emergency situation.

For More Information
Do you have questions or want more information on becoming a Private POD? Contact Karen McKinnis at (417) 864-1623.