The city of Mesa, Arizona (396,375), in conjunction with the state and Maricopa County (3,072,100), practiced its bioterrorism response activities at an event in November 2002. In the morning, 3,000 students in six high schools received tetanus shots (to simulate smallpox vaccines) in a two-hour period. In the afternoon, 200 volunteers were given fake antibiotic pills, along with instructions. Each volunteer played a different role, such as an individual with special needs or someone with limited English proficiency. They provided their medical history and were evaluated by a pharmacist before receiving the pills. This took approximately two hours. The event provided much useful information, such as how many skilled personnel and volunteers are needed. In a real bioterrorism event, these activities would be scaled up significantly, but the city and its partners now have the information and plans needed to work toward accomplishing this. Cliff Puckett Assistant Fire Chief and Emergency Manager City of Mesa 40 North Center, Suite 115 Mesa, AZ 85201 480/644-3523 Fax: 480/644-4460 E-mail: cliff_puckett@ci. mesa.az.us