The Department of Health issued this press release on the 6th:

 

The Department of Health is again providing free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets on Thursday, Aug. 9, to help Pennsylvanians be prepared for public health emergencies involving nuclear facilities.

 

Pennsylvanians who live, work or attend school within a 10-mile radius of one of the state’s five nuclear power plants can get free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets.

 

There is no information in the press release on exactly why the Health Department has decided to give away KI tablets, but a report from last year said it was a monthly occurrence. The importance of taking the tablets is noted in the release:

 

“Taken as directed during a radiological emergency, KI can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine. Individuals should only take KI tablets when directed to do so by state health officials or the governor.”