This template was created as a collaborative effort between LHDs within the Minnesota 7-County Metro Region. During a public health emergency, a large portion of the population may need medication quickly. This is an urgent task that must be carried out efficiently. An intentional release of anthrax would require that the exposed population receive medication within 48 hours of notification to minimize illness and deaths. It may take up to 12 hours to receive the medication, leaving us with 36 hours to dispense the medications. Preventive medication may also be quickly dispensed in incidents with other bioterrorism agents such as tularemia and plague. Points of Dispensing (PODs) are locations organized by public health where medication that can prevent the threatened disease is given to people. Public PODs are open to the general public and are the responsibility of local public health agencies. While public PODs can be used to reach a large portion of the population, the use of additional types of PODs can help reach everyone. A Closed POD is operated by a private organization in coordination with local public health. It serves a specific group of people, likely that organizations clients, staff, and staff family members. Clients may include residents, patients, inmates, students, parishioners, etc, and potentially their families. Closed PODs are not open to the public at-large.