MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Montgomery County to hold potassium iodide tablet and Narcan® distribution event July 25

County residents can obtain free medication

(Credit: Markus Spiske / Unsplash.com)

County residents can obtain free medication

  • Montgomery County

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health (MCOPH) will provide free potassium iodide (KI) tablets to Montgomery residents who live, work, or attend schools within a 10-mile radius of the Limerick Generating Station, as part of ongoing emergency preparedness efforts. Free NARCAN kits will also be available.

KI DISTRIBUTION

The event is for residents only and will be held on from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, at Bethel Community Church of Pottstown, 575 N Keim St. Pottstown, PA 19464. Residents are welcome to walk in. Registration is not required for this event.

Potassium iodide, or KI, can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during radiological emergencies. Individuals should only take KI when instructed by state health officials or the governor. There is no radiological emergency at this time.

Residents: Adults and children will each receive a two-day supply of KI. Directions detailing when and how to take the tablets and proper storage instructions are provided with the tablets. Residents picking up KI tablets for other families or those who are unable to pick them up on their own must fill out a separate request form.

Businesses: The event on July 25, 2024, is for residents only and will not accept businesses. More information will be available soon about a larger-scale distribution event for businesses. Businesses interested in getting KI tablets are encouraged to call the Pottstown Health Center (610-970-5040) or complete and submit the online KI Form, to schedule a separate pick-up time for KI tablets.

Who can take KI tablets?

Anyone who is not allergic to iodine can take the KI tablets. They are safe for persons who are pregnant, breastfeeding, on thyroid medicine, and children and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take KI should contact their healthcare provider. KI tablets are not provided for pets. Contact your veterinarian for more information.

How to get KI tablets all year round

Residents: KI tablets are available from MCOPH, Pottstown Health Center, 364 East King Street, Pottstown, PA 19464, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can call the Pottstown Health Center (610-970-5040), or complete and submit the online KI Form. MCOPH will contact you when your KI request is ready for pick-up at the Pottstown Health Center.

Businesses: KI tablets are available from MCOPH, Pottstown Health Center, 364 East King Street, Pottstown, PA 19464, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Businesses interested in getting KI tablets are encouraged to call the MCOPH Pottstown Health Center (610-970-5040) or complete and submit the online KI Form, MCOPH will contact you when your business KI request is ready for pick-up at the Pottstown Health Center.

Annual drive-through event on Aug. 24 for residents only

The annual drive-through KI distribution is planned for residents only, on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Limerick Fire Station, 390 W. Ridge Pike, Royersford, PA 19468. The event will be for KI distribution only. More information will be available soon.

For more information regarding potassium iodide distribution visit www.montgomerycountypa.gov/KI.

NARCAN distribution

FREE NARCAN kits will also be available during the July 25 KI distribution. NARCAN is a nasal spray that can be used when responding to an opioid overdose. It is easy to use and important to carry. An overdose can happen anywhere, and it continues to impact the community. Montgomery County is working to expand access to, and increase awareness of, NARCAN to better equip community members in an overdose.

Residents and businesses are invited to walk-in to obtain free NARCAN at this event. No registration is required. The NARCAN supply is limited and will be available first come first served.

For businesses unable to make the event, NARCAN access and training can be requested using the online Narcan® Request Form

For more information regarding NARCAN access and training, please visit www.montgomerycountypa.gov/Naloxone.


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