LAKE COUNTY, Ohio — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.
The Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) is providing potassium iodide (KI) to residents living or working within the 10 mile emergency planning zone of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, looking to replace older circulating tablets.
According to the LCGHD, Potassium iodide is non-prescription meditation that when taken within a specific time frame helps to protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine; it's one of the contaminants that can be released during a nuclear accident or similar event.
“KI is not a substitute for emergency procedures, such as evacuation and in-place sheltering during a nuclear emergency,” said Lake County Health Commissioner Ron Graham. “It is, however, one more protective measure we can provide to help safeguard Lake County residents.”
Beginning October 22, the mineral will be available for pick-up at the Lake County General Health District from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In addition to the LCGHD, residents can also pick up KI at the following pharmacies being October 25:
- CVS Pharmacy 1506 Mentor Ave Painesville, Ohio 44077
- CVS Pharmacy 1890 North Ridge Painesville, Ohio 44077
- CVS Pharmacy 9040 Mentor Ave. Mentor, Ohio 44060
- Discount Drug Mart 8023 Crile Road Concord, Ohio 44077
- Discount Drug Mart 8500 Mentor Avenue Mentor, Ohio 44060
- Giant Eagle Pharmacy 6556 North Ridge Road Madison, Ohio 44057
- Giant Eagle Pharmacy 1201 Mentor Avenue Painesville, Ohio 44077
- Marc’s Pharmacy 7353Mentor Avenue Mentor, Ohio 44060
- Rite Aid Pharmacy 180 N. State Street Painesville, Ohio 44077
- Rite Aid Pharmacy 6655 North Ridge Road Madison, Ohio 44057
If a toxic release from the plant were to happen, care centers would open to provide KI to those in need. However, in order to be effective, it must be taken within three to four hours of exposure.
The Lake County General Health District is located at 5966 Heisley Road in Mentor.
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.