Public Health Preparedness

During each event, we serve as the department’s coordinators to 1) monitor and respond to the event 2) provide assistance and support to all partners and 3) provide guidance and recommendations for key decision makers. 

Before and after events, we develop strategic plans to outline how MCPH will respond to each event. At the conclusion of developing a plan, we train and exercise to test our overall readiness. Exercising our plans allows our team the opportunity to evaluate the department on overall readiness to ensure we can respond to any event. 

Mecklenburg County sits between two Duke Energy nuclear power plants, McGuire and Catawba. Due to their proximity to Mecklenburg County, residents and business should be prepared to protect themselves should a nuclear release affecting the health and safety of County residents occur.

In preparation of a possible nuclear release, the MCPH Preparedness Team provides potassium iodide (KI) tablets to Mecklenburg County residents and businesses who are within 10-miles of either nuclear power plant. Potassium iodide is a non-prescription medication that is used to protect the thyroid gland in the event of a nuclear release or radiological emergency. If taken at the appropriate time and at the proper dosage, potassium iodide can block the intake of radioactive iodine, therefore reducing the risk of thyroid cancer. Potassium iodide should NOT be taken unless directed by public health officials. If taking potassium iodide is recommended by public health officials, residents and businesses should still follow evacuation or shelter-in-place recommendations as well.

If you are a Mecklenburg County resident who lives or works within 10-miles of either nuclear power plant, please visit the following locations during normal business hours to obtain your potassium iodide (KI):

If you are a resident or business in Catawba, Gaston, Iredell or Lincoln County within 10-miles of either nuclear power plant, please visit the following distribution sites during normal business hours or contact your local health department for more information. South Carolina residents and businesses should contact their local health department for more information. Please call before visiting each distribution site to check the availability of potassium iodide.

*Businesses should send all requests by fax to the Statesville Campus at 704-871-3474. Requests should be on company letterhead and must contain the number of employees on site during the largest shift and the name(s) of company representative(s) who will have the authority to pick up the tablets. All requests must be submitted at least 5 days in advance. 

Community engagement is the process of developing relationships that allow key partners to work together to address health-related issues and promote well-being to achieve positive health outcomes. Community engagement is crucial for managing, controlling, and mitigating natural and manmade disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic has confirmed the need to elevate community engagement to build equity, trust, and sustainable preparedness strategies throughout local communities, specifically those who may be disproportionally impacted. Strengthening communities enhances opportunities for better outcomes and building resiliency that will mitigate the impact of future disasters and emergencies.

The Mecklenburg County Preparedness Team strives to promote readiness within all communities by building relationships with community leaders to provide trainings and workshops to increase overall preparedness. Trainings and workshops are designed to equip all with the tools and resources needed during emergencies. 

If you would like for us to host a workshop, training or community or school fair, please contact us.