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Strategic National Stockpile

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). SNS consists of large quantities of medicine and medical supplies to protect the American public if there is a public health emergency, such as a terrorist attack, flu outbreak and/or earthquake, severe enough to deplete local supplies.

Once federal and local authorities agree that the SNS is needed, medicines will be delivered to any state in the United States within 12 hours. Each state has plans to receive and distribute SNS medicine and medical supplies to local communities as quickly as possible through Open POD (Point of Dispensing) sites.

Alabama SNS plans also include delivering medications and medical supplies through Closed Point of Dispensing (POD) sites located throughout the state. According to CDC, “a Closed POD is primarily used to respond to a specific group or organization.” The use of Closed POD sites allows for rapid dispensing within organizations and helps to ensure continuity of organizational operations, while also redirecting some of the population away from community Open POD sites.

For more information, visit Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response: Strategic National Stockpile.

SNS Trainings

Resources for Closed Point of Dispensing (POD)

Additional Resources





Page last updated: February 10, 2023