HHS Releases Web Site and Toll Free Number for Deployment by Healthcare Professionals

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 healthcare professionals and relief personnel to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

The desire of Americas healthcare professionals to use their skills to help Hurricane Katrinas 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

 Chaplain/Social Worker

 Nursing Staff Directors

 Clinical Physicians

 Patient Transporters/Volunteers

 Dentists

 Pharmacists

 Dieticians

 Psychologists

 Epidemiologists

 Physician's Assistants or Nurse Practitioners

 Environmental Health

 Physician Chiefs of Staff

 Epidemiologists

 Respiratory Therapists

 Facility Managers

 RNs

 Housekeepers

 Safety Officers

 IT/Communications Officers

 Security Officers

 LPNs

 Social Workers

 Medical Clerks

 Supply Managers

 Mental Health Workers

 Veterinarians

 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 workmans compensation when functioning as HHS employees. Although there will not be any salary, travel and per diem will be paid. Individuals with no healthcare background can find information on volunteering at USAFreedomCorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

Source: Department of Health and Human Services