In early March 2020, HHS began deploying personal protective equipment (PPE) from the HHS/ASPR’s Strategic National Stockpile to areas in need in the most equitable way for a nationwide response. The SNS continues to deploy tons of PPE and other supplies and equipment to states across the country, the nation’s four largest cities, and U.S. territories in support of the COVID-19 response.
High transmission areas are prioritized, and quantities are based on population. Because of the finite supply of PPE in the commercial supply chain, SNS-held product is prioritized for the highest-risk healthcare personnel.
As of December 16, 2020, the SNS had deployed the following resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The stockpile has been supporting disaster response operations since 1999. To find out about previous responses, see our section on
Stockpile Responses.