Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
What is the SNS?
The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is a federally run program. It was established in 1999 by Congress and is managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The SNS contains large quantities of medicine and medical materiel. Its caches are stored in undisclosed locations throughout the United States. These locations are undisclosed and are chosen so that if deployed, supplies can get anywhere within 12 hours.
When would the SNS be used?
The SNS is made up of materiel that will help protect the American people from any large-scale public health emergency, manmade or natural. During an emergency, local, state and private medical supplies will be depleted quickly. This cache is designed to supplement and re-supply these resources to ensure the safety and health of the public.
How will I get my medicine if a disaster strikes?
To receive the SNS assets, the governor’s office of the affected state will make a request to have the supplies deployed. The CDC, HHS and other federal officials will evaluate the situation and determine a course of action. Illinois Department of Public Health and McHenry County Department of Health are prepared to receive these supplies and dispense them to those in the county that need them. If this decision is made, MCDH will release information on how and where you can pick up your medicine.
The SNS is meant to supplement state and local supplies; it is not intended to be a first response tool. Materiel in the SNS is not unlimited and there may or may not be sufficient quantities of certain supplies and medications. Please visit the What We're Doing section to learn how MCDH is preparing to receive and dispense medications from the SNS.
For More Information, Please Visit:
Strategic National Stockpile (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)