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Temporary Sign to Announce Radio Signal at a
Point of Vaccine Dispensing |
Adams
County, Illinois, utilizes a solar-powered radio station
with changeable message sign to inform. |
Good News
Takes to the Air |
Radio
"Inoculation Stations" inform the incoming at
vaccination locations. |
QUINCY, IL: Using a designated radio frequency,
Adams County Emergency Management Agency is reaching out
to citizens arriving at the County’s drive-thru vaccine
distribution site.
John Simon, director of Emergency Management and EMS,
has selected AM 1620 as the means to get initial info to
those queueing up in Quincy, Illinois. Simon states that
the use of radio technology frees staff for other tasks
and also ensures that all arrivals receive the same,
consistent, approved instructions. To encourage people
to get the shot, the County wants the experience to be
as efficient as possible. “It’s about the throughput
rate,” says Simon. “This way we can spend less time with
each car and ensure everyone receives the same
information.” Jerrod Welch, Adams County Public
Health Administrator adds, “This station allows my staff
to focus on the individual patients that are getting
their vaccines."
This radio methodology has gained traction nationally in
recent weeks. One health district in Tennessee plans to
run nine different radio signals simultaneously at
various points of vaccine distribution (PODs).
Simon’s agency utilizes a
VoiceStar System that incorporates an integral
changeable message sign to direct those in the line to
the 1620 frequency. The same methodology is being
deployed by agencies in Birmingham, Alabama, Delaware
County, Pennsylvania, and Worcester County, Maryland.
Other agencies employ radio systems in weatherproof
cases (InfOspot
and
RadioSTAT), which can be transported to a site and
deployed, along with
quick-erect signage.
The InfOspot system is based on a design submitted by
Hennepin County, Minnesota, emergency officials. Central
Valley Health District in North Dakota was first in line
for the initial production model in 2020. Prior to the
introduction of COVID vaccines, safety officials
utilized the radio systems at virus testing sites.
Touchstone characteristics of these products are
portability and simplicity. Each radio system can be
moved as needed and thus become an asset that can be
shared with other jurisdictions. The audio program can
be controlled via network, by flash drive/USB or by live
microphone/override, depending on how the system is
optioned.
RadioSTAT and VoiceStar products are licensed under FCC
Part 90 and have a 3-5 mile radius of coverage. The
InfOspot system operates under FCC Part 15 rules and
requires no license. It is adept at parking-lot sized
coverage – up to 1/2 mile. |
Banking on Radio to Help the
Hurting |
|
Radio informs those lined up at the Spokes of
Hope food distribution destination in South Carolina. |
The
InfOspot system has also been discovered by
emergency distribution agencies such as Spokes of Hope
in Little River, South Carolina, where locals often line
up for miles to receive food and life-essentials. This
nonprofit was instrumental in providing local assistance
after Hurricane Florence flooded the homes of hundreds
in the vicinity.
And churches such as Purpose Life Church in Springfield,
Tennessee, have added radio to their distribution
operations, as well. Says spokesman Chris Harder, “We
posted signs informing people to tune to 1630 AM for
instructions about how to register and to return to
their vehicles until their number was called. Thanks to
the radio transmitter, these were the smoothest running
food handouts in the Church’s history.” The Church
originally obtained the transmitter to make possible
outdoor worship services for people attending in
vehicles. |
|
A Food Distribution Operation by Purpose Life
Church for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee |
As
detailed in
previous issues of The Source, since the
beginning of the Pandemic, schools, park and recreation
departments, cemeteries and event managers have embraced
radio technology as well. It’s telling that this medium,
which first brought us together one hundred years ago,
continues to demonstrate that it is also remarkably good
at communicating with us while we are separated. |
|
Information Radio Stations is a generic term
synonymous with Travelers Information Stations (TIS), Highway
Advisory Radio Stations (HAR) / Highway Information Systems &
Low Power Radio Stations (LPR). Operation of the stations is
governed by FCC Part 90.242 Rules. A FCC license is required.
Information Radio Stations may be fixed or portable.
Subcomponents may include transmitter, antenna and ground
system, digital voice player, wattmeter, cabinet with
conventional or Corbin locks, lightning arrestors for RF, power
and telephone lines, coaxial cable. Most stations employ black
maximized antennas to discourage ice accumulation and security
measures to prevent unauthorized program access. Options include
synchronization, battery backup, solar power, remote programming
by local, network or telco, multi-station audio distribution via
RF or LAN / WAN or wireless network. |