Overview

The CHEMPACK program is a nationwide, voluntary program managed by the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) as an essential part of the nation's defense against terrorism. The joint-venture program provides states, large metropolitan areas and territories with medical countermeasures (MCMs) for first responders and medical professionals to rapidly respond to a chemical nerve agent incident. 

CHEMPACKs are deployable containers of nerve agent antidotes placed in secure locations in local jurisdictions around the country. The medications and supplies in CHEMPACK containers treat the symptoms of nerve agent exposure and can be used even when the actual agent is unknown. CHEMPACK containers are positioned in all 50 states, the four largest metropolitan areas and eight territories and island jurisdictions. 

CHEMPACK products are intended for use during a suspected or confirmed chemical nerve agent or organophosphate incident likely to exceed local supplies. State and local officials determine when to deploy CHEMPACK products based on incident needs and incorporate this capability into their established local response plans. The containers can be moved to support special events as needed. 

There is no federal request process to access CHEMPACK containers. Because the containers are forward positioned in communities, authorized state and local officials can rapidly access and deploy the medications without requesting assistance from the federal government. CHEMPACKs are accessed through state and local emergency response, public health, healthcare, and emergency management coordination procedures.