OCEAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERING POTASSIUM IODIDE (KI) TABLETS
“The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) will be distributing potassium iodide tablets (KI) to those who live or work within the 10-mile radius of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. Four sites, including dates, and times, have been set up for this distribution:
Lacey Township – Lacey Township Community Center
101 North Main St., Forked River
Friday, October 3, 2014
3PM to 7:30PM
Waretown – Ocean County Fire and First Aid Training Center
200 Volunteer Way, Waretown
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
3PM to 7:30PM
Berkeley Recreation/Community Center
630 Rt. 9, Bayville
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
3PM to 7:30PM
Barnegat – Ocean County Library, Barnegat Branch
112 Burr Street (corner of West Bay Avenue), Barnegat
Thursday, October 30, 2014
4PM to 7:30PM
Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, said, “KI is being offered as a preparedness measure and not in response to any imminent danger or threat. The tablets are being offered to those living or working in these areas: Barnegat Light, Barnegat Township, Beachwood, Beach Haven, Berkeley Township, Toms River, Harvey Cedars, Island Heights, Lacey Township, Long Beach Township, Pine Beach, Ocean Township (Waretown), Ocean Gate, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, South Toms River, Stafford, and Surf City.”
In addition to these four sites, KI pills will also be distributed at the Ocean County Health Department flu/pneu clinics that are offered in municipalities offered above. We ask that individuals who wish to receive KI at one of the scheduled distribution sessions bring some type of identification to show that they live or work within this area, such as driver’s license, property tax record, utility bill, employee ID card, paycheck stub, indicating that you live or work in the 10-mile emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) around the nuclear generating station. Also, one family member can pick up tablets for all members of the family.
Pr/KI/9122014
Daniel E. Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator, said, “Potassium iodide, an ingredient found in table salt, can provide protection for the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine and can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer after a nuclear emergency. If this should occur, public health officials would tell you when to take the KI tablet. Only one dose is recommended, more could increase the risk of side effects. “
The Ocean County Health Department will also have tablets available for the public at their main location at 175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River. At all KI sites, KI fact sheets which include dosage and any other applicable information will be distributed. If you have any questions regarding KI tablets and distribution, please call 732-341-9700, ext. 7503. You can also visit the Health Department website at www.ochd.org or follow the Health Department at Twitter@OCpublichealth.