Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets will be offered to eligible community members on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at a drive-thru event at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) routinely distributes KI tablets to county residents living or working within the 10-mile emergency protection zone (EPZ) of the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center. These distribution events are for general community preparedness.

Registration is required for pick-up of KI tablets at this event. For more information or to register, please visit smchd.org/ki or call (301) 475-4330. Please do not contact the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center for KI tablets. Community members may also bring their expired KI tablets for collection and safe disposal to the event. Free hand-crank solar charging emergency radios will also be provided to community members who receive KI tablets as supply allows.

Who is Eligible?

St. Mary’s County residents living or working within the 10-mile EPZ (zones 6 & 7). This area includes the following zip codes:

• 20659 – Mechanicsville
• 20636 – Hollywood
• 20619 – California
• 20653 – Lexington Park

“An emergency event involving radiation exposure from the power plant is very unlikely, but it is important for our community to be prepared,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “KI should only be taken when advised by public health officials during an active emergency incident.”

For those interested in learning more about radiological and nuclear safety in our community, sign up with the St. Mary's Local Public Health Corps to receive notifications about upcoming learning sessions, training, and exercise participation opportunities. SMCHD will offer several exciting opportunities in 2025.

For more information about KI or to register to receive KI tablets, please visit smchd.org/ki.