Office of Preparedness and Emergency Health Care: Medical Stockpile
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Medical Stockpile is a cache of state-owned medical surge supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, gowns, coveralls, face masks, face shields, and N95 respirators.
In an effort to reduce inventory in preparation for Stockpile transition to long-term storage, some supplies are currently available at no cost to governmental agencies and non-profit entities.
To request supplies, please use the most recent version of the DHS Stockpile Request form, F-02825.
The DHS Medical Stockpile may be accessed by facilities or agencies that meet the following criteria:
- Requestor is a governmental agency or non-profit entity.
- Your facility is a for-profit health care entity.
- Your facility is a dairy farm, poultry farm, dairy processing plant, slaughterhouse, or agency supporting farm or slaughterhouse workers
How to request
- Complete the DHS Stockpile Request form, F-02825.
- If needed, participate in a consultation call with DHS to discuss your request.
Other agencies seeking PPE
If your agency is not eligible for the Stockpile at this time but has an urgent need for PPE or other materiel, please try sourcing through alternative and non-contract vendors or other facilities.
If these fail, local emergency management or your local health department or Tribal health agency may be able to assist you.
Distribution and use of N95s
If an employer mandates or requires the use of N95 respirators by employees, they must provide a respiratory protection program, medical surveillance and other regulatory requirements as provided by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These OSHA standards are specifically incorporated by reference in the State of Wisconsin for public sector employees within SPS 332. Public Sector Employee Safety Website Resources can be found on the Department of Safety and Professional Services website.
However, per the OSHA standard, if an employer provides an N95 respirator on a voluntary basis, they can do so without providing a respiratory protection program per the regulation as long as they provide the information noted in Appendix D of the OSHA standard. We also recommend providing to those who use the N95's further information about optimal mask effectiveness, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more information on the DHS Medical Stockpile, email the DHS Stockpile inbox at dhsstockpile@dhs.wisconsin.gov.