Updated HHS Web site, hotline for Hurricane volunteers

[CAL/AAEM News Service]

Updated HHS Web site, hotline for Hurricane volunteers

Source: AMA eVoice Alert
Date: Sept. 6, 2005


The Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) has established a Web site at
http://www.hhs.gov/katrina/ and a toll-free number, (866) KAT-MEDI or (866)
528-6334, to help identify health care professionals and relief personnel to
assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

"The desire of America's health care professionals to use their skills to
help Hurricane Katrina's victims has been inspiring," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt
said. "This Web site and toll free number are important tools to become part
of this network of goodness that is taking place."

Multidisciplinary health care professionals and relief personnel with
Expertise in the following areas are encouraged to visit the Web site and register to
volunteer for appointment by HHS:

* Administration/finance officers
* Chaplain/social workers            
* Clinical physicians
* Coroners
* Dentists
* Dieticians
* Emergency Medical Technicians
* Epidemiologists
* Environmental health workers
* Epidemiologists
* Facility managers
* Housekeepers
* IT/Communications officers
* Laboratory technicians
* Licensed practical nurses
* Medical clerks
* Medical examiners
* Mental health workers
* Morticians
* Mortuary assistants
* Nursing assistants/nursing support technicians
* Nursing staff directors
* Paramedics
* Patient transporters/volunteers
* Pharmacists
* Psychologists
* Physician's assistants or nurse practitioners
* Physician chiefs of staff
* Radiologic technicians
* Respiratory therapists
* Registered nurses
* Safety officers
* Security officers
* Social workers
* Supply managers
* Veterinarians
             
Please be advised that individuals must be healthy enough to function under
field conditions.  This may include all or some of the following:

* 12-hour shifts
* Austere conditions (possibly no showers, housing in tents)
* No air conditioning
* Long periods of standing
* Sleep accommodations on bedroll
* Military ready to eat meals

These workers will be non-paid temporary federal employees, and will
Therefore be eligible for coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act for liability
coverage and Workman's Compensation when functioning as HHS employees.
Although there will not be any salary, travel and per diem will be paid.

Volunteers with no health care background can find information about
volunteering at http://www.USAFreedomCorps.gov or by calling (877) USA-CORPS
or (877) 872-2677.

Please bookmark the AMA Web site at
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/15474.html for updated information.



Cyrus Shahpar & Brian Potts 
Managing Editors, CAL/AAEM News Service
University of California, Irvine

The CAL/AAEM Archives are available at: http://maillists.uci.edu/mailman/public/calaaem/


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