HHS Releases Web Site and Toll Free Number for Deployment of Health Care Professionals

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established a Web site 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," 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 healthcare professionals and relief personnel with expertise in the following areas are encouraged to visit the website and register to volunteer for appointment by HHS:

• administration/finance officers
• nursing assistants/nursing support technicians
• nursing staff directors
• chaplain/social workers
• RNs
• respiratory therapists
• veterinarians
• many other specialties

HHS 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