What is the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile (NPS)?
The NPS is a large reserve of antibiotics, chemical antidotes and other medical supplies set aside for emergencies. The CDC reports that it has the capacity to move these stockpiled materials to affected areas in the U.S. within 12 hours of notification. There are a number of different stockpiles, strategically located around the country. In addition to the medical supplies already set aside, the federal government has made agreements with drug manufacturers to make large amounts of additional emergency medicine.
The NPS is a large reserve of antibiotics, chemical antidotes, and other medical supplies set aside for emergencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it has the capacity to move these stockpiled materials to affected areas in the U.S. within 12 hours of notification. There are eight different stockpiles, strategically located around the country. In addition to the medical supplies already set aside, the federal government has made agreements with drug manufacturers to make large amounts of additional emergency medicine available quickly. For more information on the NPS, go to http://www.bt.cdc.gov/stockpile/index.
