About Us
Data & Reports
District Health
Disease A-Z
Health Services A-Z
Information for Providers
Links
browse city services a-z
browse facts and links a-z
search this site
 |
| Current Projects |
| For Businesses |
| Web Based Tools and Training |
| Public Health Home |
The Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) program is a regional bioterrorism preparedness program funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The goal is to save lives in identified cities by rapidly dispensing medication to their entire population within 48 hours.
Project Area
Since 2004, CDC has provided special funding for CRI through the Public Health
Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement. This funding is provided to
enhance the mass dispensing capabilities of the CRI metropolitan statistical
areas (MSAs). The CRI MSA for Maine is the Portland, South
Portland and Biddeford MSA and covers all of Cumberland, York and Sagadahoc
Counties. MSAs use this special funding to develop plans that support mass
dispensing of medications to 100% of the identified population. A total of 72
project areas nationwide are included in this initiative.
Current Portland-South Portland-Biddeford MSA Projects
The current CRI project area is the Portland, South Portland and Biddeford MSA which encompasses all of Cumberland, York and Sagadahoc Counties. The majority of our initial planning has been and continues to be focused on the development of Points of Dispensing (PODs). There are two types of PODs: Open and Closed. An Open POD is a clinic which will be open to the public and set up specifically to rapidly get medication to a large number of people. A Closed POD is operated by an employer to dispense medication to their employee and to their families, if necessary. Closed PODs are usually located within the employer’s facilities and are not open to the public. On average, a POD that is dispensing oral medication can process 500 people or more an hour. This is a staff-intensive operation, so we are working on a number of alternative methods that will reduce the MSA’s dependence on PODs as the sole method for distribution.
Information for Businesses Interested in Becoming a Partner
Because the CRI program encompasses the entire population within its project area, businesses and employers are invited to participate in the planning. Private partners can become closed PODs which are operated for the employees and their families, and are generally located within the employer’s facilities. Closed PODs are not open to the general public. Private businesses can also donate assets that will assist with operations of general public PODs. Businesses are encouraged to contact us for more information on how to become a planning partner.
Mass Dispensing Sites: A Primer for Volunteers: This is an online training on the basics of how a POD works. This training was developed by the University of Minnesota so there may be minor differences in a POD found in Maine. You will need to create your own login account. If you have questions, feel free to use the contact tool below.
The POD Game: This game lets you immerse yourself in a virtual POD and gives you a chance to learn how a POD works while having fun.
Point of Dispensing Training Video (Part 1)
Point of Dispensing Training Video (Part 2)
This two part Point of Dispensing instructional videos are created by the Alameda County Public Health Department.