Health Department offers potassium iodide tablets
KIMBERTON >> Area residents will be able to receive potassium iodide tablets at an upcoming event organized by the Chester County Health Department.
As part of Chester County’s ongoing emergency preparedness efforts, and in support of the PA Department of Health’s Potassium Iodide initiative, staff and volunteers from the Chester County Health Department will be offering free Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets to all residents living within a 10-mile radius of the Limerick Nuclear Generating Station.
The distribution event, which will include a large Community Resource Fair organized by the Chester County Health Department, will take place at the Kimberton Fire Company from 1 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22.
Each year, the Chester County Health Department holds a KI distribution event to provide all relevant households with KI tablets to mitigate any potential exposure to radioactive materials. Potassium Iodide (KI) is a form of stable iodine and when taken as directed, helps protect the thyroid gland against the harmful effects of radioactive iodine that could be released during a radiological emergency. One dose of KI protects the thyroid for 24 hours. Infants, children, adults and pregnant women are all encouraged to take the allotted KI dose if instructed.
“KI can add an extra layer of protection in the unlikely event of an accidental release of radioactive iodine,” said Jeanne Casner, Director of the Chester County Health Department. “Health Department staff will provide full instructions for use and further educational material when the KI tablets are being handed out.”
To find out more about the KI tablet distribution and whether you live, work or attend school in the 10-mile radius, go to https://www. chesco.org/831/PotassiumIodide-Distribution .
In addition to the distribution of the KI tablets, the Chester County Health Department has organized a Community Resource Fair at the Kimberton Fire Hall from 1 to 7 p.m. with more than 13 organizations present to hand out information to all local residents.
Those attending include the Chester County Food Bank, Chester Springs Library, Phoenixville Public Library, Chester County Early Learning Resource Center, Maternal & Child Health Consortium, The Clinic, COAD Group, Safe Kids Chester County, Chester County’s Health Department, Department of Drug & Alcohol Services, Emergency Services and Mental Health/ Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities.
“Although we are handing PHOTO COURTESY OF CHESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFFICE out the Potassium Iodide tablets to everyone who lives in a selected radius of the Limerick Plant, we welcome all residents in the County to attend the Community Resource Fair – especially those who want to know more about the many programs and services offered by County departments and community organizations,” added Casner.