LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 9, 2026) - The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) will host a routine potassium iodide (KI) distribution event on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This drive-thru event will be held at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department.
SMCHD conducts periodic KI distribution events as part of standard public health preparedness activities for communities located near the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center. These events are intended to ensure that eligible residents have access to KI as a precautionary measure.
Potassium iodide (KI) is a medication that can help protect the thyroid gland in the unlikely event of a radiological emergency. KI should only be taken if and when directed by public health officials during an actual emergency.
Registration is required to receive KI tablets at this event. To register or learn more, visit smchd.org/ki or call (301) 475-4330. Please do not contact the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center for KI tablets.
Community members are encouraged to bring any expired KI tablets for proper disposal. Free hand-crank solar-powered emergency radios will also be available for participants receiving KI, while supplies last.
Who is Eligible?
St. Mary’s County residents who live or work within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) for the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center (Zones 6 and 7), including the following ZIP codes:
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20659 – Mechanicsville
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20636 – Hollywood
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20619 – California
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20653 – Lexington Park
“Providing KI to our community is a routine part of emergency preparedness,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “While a radiation emergency is very unlikely, having KI on hand ensures residents are prepared and able to follow public health guidance if it is ever needed.”
Residents interested in learning more about emergency preparedness, including radiological safety, are encouraged to join the St. Mary’s Local Public Health Corps to receive updates on future trainings, exercises, and community engagement opportunities.
For additional information about KI or to register for this event, please visit:
smchd.org/resources/emergency-preparedness/potassium-iodide-ki
