Volunteers needed for disaster drill

There is still time to be a volunteer in the Kane County Health Department's public health emergency exercise from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 24.

There will be two locations for the exercise: in the field house at East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora; and in the gym at South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St., South Elgin.

The Kane County Office of Emergency Management, the Kane County Sheriff's Office, the villages of South Elgin and West Dundee and the city of Aurora, the Illinois National Guard, school districts 131 and U-46 and other Kane County departments will be participating in this major drill.

"The drill is intended to simulate the release of aerosolized anthrax. In the event of an actual release of anthrax, our goal is to be able to provide medicine to all those who need it," said health department executive director Paul Kuehnert. "This drill will help us test our plans to protect the residents of Kane County."

No real medications will be distributed, but volunteers are needed to role-play people who have been affected by exposure to anthrax. The volunteers will be provided with information about the role assigned to them.

At each location, the exercise will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. The role of the volunteers will take about 30 minutes at the site, but they are welcome to stay for the whole exercise. Their participation is very important to the success of this exercise.

If individuals or organizations would like to participate, call Jennifer Jaquez at (630) 444-3072 to register. Provide the number of individuals who will attend and at what location you would like to participate. This exercise will better prepare the Kane County community to respond to a public health emergency.

All volunteers who participate in the exercise will be eligible for a free drawing throughout the day to thank you for their support.