What is the purpose of the Strategic National Stockpile?

The purpose of the Strategic National Stockpile is to ensure that there is a readily available supply of essential medicines and medical supplies during public health emergencies. This stockpile serves as a crucial resource for managing emergency situations that may arise from natural disasters, pandemics, or bioterrorism threats. By maintaining a strategic reserve of these supplies, the stockpile can quickly deliver necessary items to affected areas, ensuring that healthcare providers have the tools they need to respond effectively to health crises. This proactive measure helps to mitigate the impact of such emergencies on public health and safety, ultimately saving lives.