HONOLULU -- The state Department of Health is seeking about 500 volunteers to participate in an emergency medication distribution program on Kauai.

The volunteers are being asked to go to a clinic at Hanapepe Armory on Sept. 15 to fill out forms, undergo an evaluation, and receive simulated bottles of medication. The first 500 volunteers will receive lunch.

(You can register online to participate in the event.)

The Sept. 15 exercise is designed to test Kauai's ability to distribute supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile.

The stockpile is a cache of medicine and medical supplies stored around the country in preparation for a bioterrorism attack or other health emergency.

The department said a news release Tuesday the exercise will be reviewed by outside evaluators, including mass dispensing operation experts.