Student volunteers needed for simulated public health emergency


The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) Office of Preparedness and Response and the City of Peoria are seeking volunteers to assist in a simulated public health emergency that will be staged at the Peoria Sports Complex at April 13.

“This is a great opportunity for Arizona State University students to participate in a drill that simulates a large-scale emergency,” says Katherine Princic, community programs manager for HandsOn Greater Phoenix.  “By participating, students are serving the community, helping MCDPH and the City of Peoria test public health emergency response plans.”

Volunteers are needed from 2-8 p.m. on April 13.  Volunteers will participate in a drive-through exercise as simulated medications are dispensed.  Each driver will make several trips through the dispensing lines to simulate the crowds expected in a real event.

MCDPH and the City of Peoria are seeking 200 volunteers with vehicles for this exercise.  Free dinner and mileage reimbursement is available to volunteers, and the 2 – 8 p.m. window will include an orientation before the exercise and a short debrief at the end.  Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

“Volunteer participation is crucial to simulating actual emergency conditions during this drive-through point of dispensing exercise,” says Princic.

To volunteer, or for more information, contact Princic at 602-973-2212 (ext. 233) or via email at Katherine@handsonphoenix.org.