The logistics supporting the CDC are life and death operations.

The Low-Down:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services based near Atlanta, plays a major role in disease prevention and control, especially infectious diseases like influenza. In the case of terrorism or large-scale natural disaster, the CDC’s Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) can supply medicine and medical supplies to any state in the U.S. within 12 hours.

“The SNS is organized for flexible response,” states the CDC matter of factly. And, it’s the “flexible response” part that lies squarely on the shoulders of companies like Panther Expedited Services, which has worked with the CDC for the past three years to make sure the supply chains supporting the SNS and other emergency relief programs are operating at peak performance.

“To test and ensure operational preparedness, the CDC frequently conducts sustainment moves to simulate various emergency scenarios throughout the world,” explains James Adams, EVP, Sales and Marketing for Panther. The sustainment moves are “high-value, high-security, and time-critical,” adds Andy Clarke, Panther’s President and CEO. The shipments can range from a few pallets to 150 pallets, and depending upon the simulation, Panther could be given as little as three days notice to prepare for the simulation, which could take place anywhere.

Multiple international destinations and specific delivery times need to be managed, emphasizes the Panther executives, and in some cases, the next destination is not provided until the first delivery is made successfully.

“If any part of the exercise fails, the entire mission is considered a failure,” says Adams. “Panther has never failed a CDC sustainment exercise.” wt



Check it out:

www.bt.cdc.gov/stockpile/