For more information, contact Kim Papich, SRHD public information officer (509) 324-1539

SPOKANE, Wash. – May 8, 2012 –On Wed., May 9, 2012, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) will partner with the United States Postal Service (USPS) and City of Spokane Fire Department in exercising a coordinated response to a possible anthrax exposure. This important training will test current procedures and help identify operational strengths and weaknesses if a biological attack were to occur in Spokane County. 

The USPS is required to practice its response to a biological detection system (BDS) alert locally every three years, testing evacuation, decontamination and medication administration to all potentially exposed postal employees and patrons.
 
The exercise will commence at its Spokane-based processing and distribution center, 2928 S. Spotted Rd., at 11:00 a.m. when the postal service will begin to evacuate approximately 50 individuals (acting as both employees and customers). The fire department’s Hazardous Materials team and its toxicological paramedics will oversee the decontamination of evacuees, using highly-specialized equipment obtained through U.S. Department of Homeland Security funding, and render patients safe prior to being transported.  
 
The evacuees will then be driven in shifts by bus to the health district, 1101 W. College Ave., arriving approximately at noon, to receive mock medication and instruction specific to their possible exposure. The health district’s Bioterrorism Laboratory staff will also be reviewing its protocols to process environmental samples taken from the USPS site. The health district’s involvement in the exercise will end at approximately 2:00 p.m.
 
Press and official guests are welcome to attend the health district portion of the exercise to observe the functionality of systems and management of the emergency. Media, please note that this is only an exercise and that there may be increased scanner traffic on certain frequencies. An additional heads-up will be given prior to the exercise beginning.
 
If you have any questions, please contact either Kim Papich with Spokane Regional Health District, (509) 324-1539, or Brian Schaeffer with City of Spokane Fire Department, (509) 625-7002.
 
More information can also be found at www.srhd.org. SRHD’s website offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Become a fan of SRHD on Facebook to receive local safety and wellness tips. You can also follow us on Twitter @spokanehealth.