An ad hoc committee will organize a public workshop that will explore the current state of the global supply chain as it relates to medical countermeasures (MCMs) and other components of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), and discuss the impacts of supply/demand communications and supply use communications and messaging on preparedness and response efforts. Further, the workshop will explore relevant opportunities for CDC’s Division of Strategic National Stockpile (DSNS), private sector partners and other SNS stakeholders to mitigate risks identified in the supply chain and enhance the resilience of distribution efforts through collaborative engagement and robust communication to varied populations.
The committee will develop the workshop agenda, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate the discussions. The workshop discussions will provide participants an opportunity to better explore the impacts of the global state of the supply chain and various communication efforts, both upstream and downstream of the SNS. The workshop will also allow participants to discuss strategies to further enhance the resilience of the SNS and facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of its role and use. Specifically, the workshop will feature invited presentations and discussions that will:
•Provide a broad overview of the global supply chain related to medical countermeasures;
•Explore vulnerabilities and risks associated with security, transportation, the availability of raw materials and intermediates, and challenges experienced by suppliers, distributors, and receivers;
•Discuss the impact of supply and demand expectations on the availability of MCMs, medical supplies, and equipment during a significant event;
•Examine opportunities to enhance communication with the public, providers, and state and local public health and emergency management officials to assist in managing reaction and compliance with an unfamiliar product or situation; and
•Explore the operational, communications, and planning requirements necessary to facilitate altered standards of care during an emergency.
A proceedings of the presentations and discussions at the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional guidelines.