Hurricane Matthew Relief

[ColeRN5]

Are there groups organizing for a rushed mission trip for any places hit by hurricane Matthew? I am in between travel assignments and interested in getting involved but am unsure of where to start.

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

I too want to get involved but I'm on assignment right now in Oregon. I'm trying to get my contract adjusted so I can a couple weeks off to help out then come back.

My plan is to fly down there and get as close to the disaster area as possible and volunteer with one of the agencies already in place.

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Here is a link to volunteer in Florida: VolunteerFlorida.org

Volunteer Florida manages volunteers and donations before,

during and after disasters. Get updated information on Hurricane Matthew, shelters, evacuation routes, emergency plans, and more.

Volunteer Registration Form

I do not know anything about this organization, so do some research before signing up.

I did volunteer work with the Red Cross after Katrina, but that involves training which is usually expedited in times of active disaster. There will be needs for weeks to come.

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

That's super helpful! Thanks!

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

Does the red cross actually use you in a nursing capacity or are a general volunteer handing out supplies and such?

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

I worked in a nursing capacity in one of the largest shelters between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. They are always very glad to get nurses. But they are in need of many types of volunteers.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Nurses in the Red Cross are predominantly in a case management role unless a provider. Or they are the medical staff at a shelter with case coordination, screening exams, assistance to obtain needed medications, supplies, treatment and as the public health nurse (disaster nurses have the power to shut down unsafe food service or living conditions). Rarely do they supplement facility staff agency are brought in first. First line care is left to local EMS/Police/Fire supplemented by tactical teams experienced for the conditions such as NJ Task Force 1 one of 28 elite urban search and high tactical rescue unit which deployed yesterday.

It is NEVER recommended to show up unannounced at a disaster scene. You are not known. You have not credentialed and you are likely to be turned away. The Red Cross will offer expedited training for needed volunteers.

Contact your state nursing association. Many of the state nursing associations developed credentialed rapid response teams of volunteers to supplement local facility staff and if make shift medical units (such as post Katrina in NOR). Hurricane Sandy used nurses as case managers and expert liaisons to secure information,verify information expedite non-emergent care or even secure replacement equipment supplies and medications . Local nurses were used first due to their unique knowledge of local resources and procedures.

[BrendanO, MSN, RN]

Are you looking in the US, or for Haiti or the Bahamas?

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

The US definitely. Did you have some ideas?

[BrendanO, MSN, RN]

No, I've only worked with groups in Haiti.

[Liesbyington]

I am searching for Haiti relief groups for RN's, do you know of any groups that need nurses?

[BrendanO, MSN, RN]

I'm not sure what the exact demand is right now, but two organizations that I'd recommend are:

Project Medishare | Volunteer

and

Volunteer at the Haitian Health Foundation | Haitian NGO

I've been to Haiti seven times with Medishare, and I have nurse friends working in Jeremie and Port-au-Prince right now with both organizations. Try contacting them, and I'm sure they'll be able to tell you their next deployment date that needs nurses.