Implementing the Cities Readiness Initiative: Lessons learned from Boston

The Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) is a CDC program designed to ensure timely and effective delivery and disbursement of medicines and supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) during a public health emergency. Boston was one of the 20 cities chosen to participate in this pilot program in 2004. Since then, the CRI has catalyzed intensive city planning for the preparation of delivery and disbursement of SNS assets with the goal of providing prophylaxis for the 600,000 residents of Boston in 48 hours. This paper documents the evolution of Boston CRI , including aspects of using a “Mass Dispensing Model” approach, the process of choosing Emergency Dispensing Sites (EDS), the use of Geographic Information Systems for planning and response and the partnerships developed between public health, public safety and non-traditional partners for coordinated response. Key issues such as communication and protection of first responders, as well as lessons learned from recent exercises and vaccine clinics have advanced further planning for the Boston CRI that could have applicability for other cities.