By Pat Trevino | June 23, 2026
DeWitt County took an important step forward in community safety today as the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Region 8 led a comprehensive CHEMPACK Training for local emergency personnel. The session brought together first responders, county officials, and public health partners to ensure the region is fully prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a chemical emergency.
CHEMPACK, a federal program managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides communities with pre‑positioned containers of life‑saving nerve‑agent antidotes. These supplies are strategically stored across the country so they can be accessed rapidly during a chemical incident, when every minute matters.
Local officials expressed appreciation for the hands‑on guidance and expertise provided by Region 8 staff.
“We appreciate your support in helping strengthen our community’s preparedness and response capabilities for chemical emergencies,” county representatives said following the training. “Thank you for your continued partnership and support in keeping our communities safe.”
The training covered:
- CHEMPACK deployment procedures
- Coordination between local, regional, and state agencies
- Safety protocols for first responders
- Real‑world scenarios and response timelines
- Communication strategies during chemical incidents
Participants emphasized that preparedness is a shared responsibility, and today’s training reinforces the county’s commitment to protecting residents.
With ongoing collaboration between DeWitt County and DSHS Region 8, local leaders say they are confident the community is better equipped to respond swiftly should a chemical emergency occur.