Student volunteers needed for simulated public health emergency

<p>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.</p><separator></separator><p>“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.&nbsp; “By participating, students are serving the community, helping MCDPH and the City of Peoria test public health emergency response plans.”</p><separator></separator><p>Volunteers are needed from 2-8 p.m. on April 13.&nbsp; Volunteers will participate in a drive-through exercise as simulated medications are dispensed.&nbsp; Each driver will make several trips through the dispensing lines to simulate the crowds expected in a real event.</p><separator></separator><p>MCDPH and the City of Peoria are seeking 200 volunteers with vehicles for this exercise.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to participate.</p><separator></separator><p>“Volunteer participation is crucial to simulating actual emergency conditions during this drive-through point of dispensing exercise,” says Princic.</p><separator></separator><p>To volunteer, or for more information, contact Princic at 602-973-2212 (ext. 233) or via email at Katherine@handsonphoenix.org.</p>