HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today authorized the first emergency use of the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile, drawing on the 2-year-old rapid response program to provide special aid to New York City. The decision will result in delivery of substantial supplies to support medical personnel caring for victims of the airplane attack on the World Trade Center today.

"Our emergency resources stand ready to be provided quickly to those who need them," Secretary Thompson said. "We are taking this step to support the medical personnel and facilities in New York, so that they can deliver the best possible care to those who have been injured."

HHS' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is releasing one of the eight "12-Hour Push Packages" that are maintained in pre-packaged, pre-positioned caches in secure storage facilities around the country. The packages are designed to be deliverable to any area of the continental United States within 12 hours of deployment, with substantial supplies to address a wide variety of potential needs.

"Push Packages" contain pharmaceuticals, intravenous supplies, airway supplies, emergency medication, bandages and dressings, and other materials to cover a spectrum of medical needs. Each "package" involves several truckloads of materials and is intended to be sufficient to respond to an emergency involving mass casualties.

In addition to the "Push Packages," CDC will provide 84,000 bags of intravenous fluid and other intravenous supplies, as well as 350 portable ventilators and 250 stationary ventilators. The additional IV and other materials are being sent in addition to the "Push Packages" to respond to the particular expected needs in New York.