Health care agency to conduct public health outbreak drill at Irvine's Great Park

Oct. 16--Orange County's Health Care Agency will conduct an emergency preparedness event at the Great Park in Irvine from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, where seven South County cities will practice rapid distribution of medicine in the event of a public health outbreak.

In a scenario where a widespread disease or outbreak were to occur, it may become necessary for local health departments to activate this type of an emergency response to distribute large amounts of vaccinations, antibiotics or other medications to a large number of people, the health agency said in a released statement.

The multi-city exercise is an opportunity of county residents to practice for such an eventuality, said Supervisor Andrew Do.

The Great Park drill will offer participants both a walk-up and drive-through option. Local police and fire authorities will direct participants through the exercise. They will be asked to complete a brief intake form, proceed to a nurse or nursing student who will distribute the exercise materials and then leave through an exit station.

Those who attend will also get a commemorative tote bag, local emergency planning materials, information about the AlertOC emergency notification system and a holiday pumpkin while supplies last.

The drill covers residents living in the cities of Aliso Viejo, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and San Clemente.

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