The US has had a Strategic National Stockpile of medical supplies that can be used when there’s a public health emergency. It’s released when state or local officials ask the fed’s to help support their response.
Back at the beginning of the H1N1 epidemic we asked for personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and antiviral medications from the stockpile. It was remarkable how fast the trucks arrived at our warehouse. The materials were released to hospitals and community health centers and others in anticipation of a surge in demand.
I haven’t heard whether the ADHS is considering asking for SNS materials or not.
