Politics & Government
LAST CHANCE: Ocean County Health Department Starts Potassium Iodide Pill Exchange In Manahawkin Today
Your kids' current KI pills will exprie on April 30.
The Ocean County Health Department has started an exchange of pediatric potassium idodide pills last week in Toms River, and will begin one in Manahawkin today.
Distribution of potassium iodide, or KI 65mg pills is a part of an emergency preparedness program through which every resident living within the 10-mile raidus of the Oyster Creek nuclear plant is elgibile for a free supply of the FDA-approved medicine meant to protect a thyroid gland when exposed to radiation.
The county started distributing the pills more than ten years ago, following a recommendation by the NRC.
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According to the Ocean County Health Department, the supply of pediatric potassium iodide currently held by residents is due to expire on April 30.
In addition, this exchange will offer proper disposal of expired KI pills.
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All residents living in the 10-mile Planning Zone are invited to participate in the exchange and receive the new supply of KI for their children.
"If you have never received a supply of KI for you or your children, both adult and pediatric (up to 18 years of age) are available," Ocean County Health department stated a press release. "The OCHD reminds residents that they should always take preparedness steps, if able, for any type of emergency."
The distribution in Manahawkin will take place at the Ocean County Health Department Southern Site at 333 Haywood Rd today, April 16 and this Thursday, April 19 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and next Tuesday April 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The current supply of pediatric KI pills expires on April 30.
Those wishing to exchange the pills at the Health Department's main facility at 175 Sunset Avenue in Toms River can do so Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.,. to 4 p.m. through May 11. Evenings hours will be available at that facility on April 24 and May 2, 5-8 p.m.
For more information, call the OCHD at 732-341-9700 ext. 7502.
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