Pharmacists in the Omaha Metropolitan Medical Response System.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The role of pharmacists in the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) for Omaha, Nebraska, is described. SUMMARY: Pharmacists have been involved in the Omaha MMRS since its inception in 2000. The Omaha MMRS has a pharmacy committee composed of pharmacists from local hospitals, community pharmacies, and two pharmacy schools. The pharmacy committee oversees the stock of pharmaceuticals available to Omaha in an emergency by continuously monitoring hospital inventories and working with state and federal planners. Pharmacists are responsible for planning for the receiving, staging, storing, distributing, and dispensing of the large quantities of pharmaceuticals that might be required in a disaster. Pharmacists also educate other health care professionals and the public about threats. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists play a major role in emergency preparedness in the Omaha metropolitan area and would be active participants in the community's response to a disaster.