The Department of Health and Human Services has established
a Web site (https://volunteer.hhs.gov) and toll-free number
(1-866-KAT MEDI) 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," said Secretary
Mike Leavitt. "This Web site and toll free number are important tools
to become part of this network of goodness that is taking place."
Multidisciplinary healthcare 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 Morticians*
Chaplain Mortuary Assistants*
Clinical Physicians Nursing Assistants/Nursing Support
Technicians
Coroners* Nursing Staff Directors
Dental Forensics* Paramedics*
Dentists Patient Transporters/Volunteers
Dieticians Pharmacists
EMT* Psychologists
Environmental Health Physician's Assistants or Nurse
Practitioners
Epidemiologists Physician Chiefs of Staff
Facility Managers Radiologic Technicians*
Housekeepers Respiratory Therapists
IT/Communications Officers RNs
Laboratory Technicians* Safety Officers
LPNs Security Officers
Medical Clerks Social Workers
Medical Examiners* Supply Managers
Mental Health Workers Veterinarians
*These categories were added as of September 5, 2005.
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 bed roll
Military ready to eat meals
Portable toilets
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 healthcare background can find information
on volunteering at http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/ or by
calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.
Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials
are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news/.
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Posted on 9-7-05 at 4:00 p.m. E.D.T.
American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association T: 571-431-0876
330 John Carlyle Street, Suite 200 F: 571-431-0899
Alexandria, VA 22314 www.AOPAnet.org
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