Harwich Potassium Iodide Distribution Plan
The Harwich Health Department announces the availability of Potassium Iodide (KI) for the residents of the Town of Harwich.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 5K, was amended by the State Legislature in December 2002, to require that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health provide thyroid blocking agents to towns situated on Cape Cod. The cost of the KI has been assessed to the owners of the nuclear power station. The KI is available free of charge to residents of the Town of Harwich.
KI is the abbreviation for potassium iodide, a nonprescription medicine that when used properly can prevent the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland. The term “thyroid blocking agents” refers to drugs or chemicals that can be ingested to prevent the absorption by the thyroid gland of radioactive isotopes of iodine that may be released to the environment during an accident at a nuclear power station. To date, the most commonly recommended thyroid blocking agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is potassium iodide.
Each household member is allowed two tablets of KI. A release form must be signed by the recipient when the pills are obtained for each household member. To obtain the pills, proof of residency will be required in the form of a tax bill, utility bill, current lease agreement, or a valid driver’s license with a Town of Harwich address. Consumer information regarding KI shall be provided at the time the pills are dispensed. It is important to remember that during any actual emergency, no pills will be distributed to the general public. You must have them on hand if you determine that you want them.
Residents may obtain KI pills for household members from the Harwich Health Department at Harwich Town Hall, 732 Main St. DISTRIBUTION WILL BE MONDAY EVENINGS ONLY FROM 5-7:30 PM. This program will start Monday February 12, 2007. In the event of a Monday holiday when town hall is closed, distribution will be on Tuesday of that week ( example town hall closed Feb 19th for Presidents Day, therefore distribution that week will be Tuesday, Feb 20)
Questions regarding this program may be directed to the Harwich Health Department at 508-430-7509 or at health@town.harwich.ma.us.
Please remember that you can turn to 99.9 FM on your radio for Emergency Broadcasting information.
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