You may have seen the advertisements or you may have driven by the square and seen the drive thru flu shot clinic occurring on the square and in the courthouse parking lot. On October 12th The Clarke County Public Health Department hosted a drive thru flu shot clinic. This was supported by Clarke County Emergency Management, Clarke County Community Emergency Response Team, Clarke County Hospital, South Central Home Health Care, Southern Hills Specialty Care Center, Homestead Assisted Living, and many volunteers. There were 29 adults and children vaccinated. This was the first time this event has occurred.
Why so many agencies?
This was actually a full-scale exercise for a Pandemic mass inoculation. Public Health worked with all of the agencies involved in putting together this exercise. Planning began several months ago and involved all of the agencies.
In a real emergency, Clarke County Public Health would need help from community partners and this was a great exercise to show not only can we get the help, but we can execute the plan together.” Mackenzie Hickenbottom BSN, RN Clarke County Public Health Administrator.
How does this translate to other disasters?
The exercise of multiple agencies directly correlates to any disaster or public emergency. For this exercise the incident action plan process was used to get everyone on the same sheet of music. There was exercise of various pieces of equipment from both Public Health and Emergency Management. There was the response trailer, inflatable command post, generators, light sets, emergency radio, and more.
We had a tremendous amount of support from all of our partners, we had a great collaboration and planning by everyone” said Byron Jimmerson, Clarke County Emergency Management Coordinator. “We can do better and will continue to assist our community to prepare, respond, and recover from anything that is thrown at us.”
Building and Maintaining Partnerships
This type of activity shows how much each agency needs to work together. This was a great exercise to bring government entities, volunteer groups, and private sector partners together.
“The exercise was a great opportunity for all of the agencies involved to test equipment, communication methods and operational support. The group took a big step forward with effort and planning required for the drill. We plan to build off of what we learned and continue to progress.” Zach Woods, Clarke County Hospital Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.
Missed this opportunity and still need your Flu shoot?
Clarke County Public Health has walk in Wednesday’s from 830-4:30pm every Wednesday, or by appointment on other days. Contact Public Health for more information at 641-342-3724.
