Aliso Viejo Residents Get Free Pumpkins, Emergency Tips At Event

ALISO VIEJO, CA — How do you test a substantial rapid response and distribution of emergency medical supplies? By giving away free pumpkins, of course.

On Thursday afternoon, in order to practice emergency "point of dispensing" preparedness, the Orange County Health Care Agency, together with seven south OC cities, gave away as many pumpkins and emergency information as they could to participants who arrived at Great Park in Irvine.

South Orange County cities of Aliso Viejo, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and San Clemente participated in the program, handing out mountains emergency tips along with the pumpkins to arriving residents. It was a learning experience to all present.
"If a widespread disease or other emergency were to occur, it may be necessary for local health departments to activate 'PODs' to distribute large amounts of vaccinations, antibiotics and other medicines to a large number of people," the OC Health Agency said.

All participants who attended were to receive a commemorative tote bag, local emergency planning materials, AlertOC information and a free holiday pumpkin (while supplies lasted).

The exercise served to help communities prepare for general health emergencies and was an ongoing partnership of the OC Healthcare Agency, Medical Reserve Corps, and the seven cities they represent.

"In a real emergency, PODs can save lives by getting needed medication and supplies to our community quickly and efficiently," they said.

Visit AlertOC.org to learn about and register for OC’s mass notification system.

Ashley Ludwig, Patch Staff Photo