NCDOH seeks residents to participate in public health preparedness access and functional needs exercise

Submitted by the Niagara County Department of Health

The Niagara County Department of Health has rescheduled the public health preparedness access and functional needs exercise initially scheduled for Nov. 7. The exercise will now be conducted from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 Ninth St., Niagara Falls. 

The NCDOH is seeking residents to participate in the exercise. Volunteer participants can attend the exercise any time between 3 and 7 p.m. All participants will have the option to receive seasonal flu vaccine and/or COVID-19 vaccine as a participant in the exercise.

“One of the goals of this exercise is to test our ability to offer an inclusive experience for people with access and functional needs,” said Tracy Fricano Chalmers, director of public health planning and emergency preparedness. “Individuals with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited English proficiency, limited access to transportation, and/or limited access to financial resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the emergency are encouraged to participate.”

The NCDOH will provide a health kit to the first 50 participants who register for the exercise as a thank you. This kit includes: a clear stadium-type NCDOH tote bag, disinfectant spray, hand sanitizer, hand sanitizing wipes, box of facial tissues and disposable face masks. 

“We appreciate the flexibility and dedication of our staff, volunteers and partners, especially the Niagara Falls Municipal Housing Authority, to work collectively to reschedule the exercise. These relationships are important for both preparedness and response to a public health emergency,” Public Health Director Daniel Stapleton said.

All participants should register by completing the participant form online via the NCDOH webpage www.niagaracounty.com/health. Participants who wish to be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or COVID-19 should register for a vaccine appointment at www.niagaracounty.com/health/Vaccine.

Questions regarding participation in the exercise may be directed to Francisco Meza Agüero at 716-439-7436 or [email protected].