September 1, 2005

Katrina Response #1

This is the first of a number of Katrina updates that you will receiveHURRICANE KATRINA REPSONSE #1

Hurricane Katrina has touched all of us. Many of our employees have lost family and friends. Other family members have suffered serious material losses from the winds and floods. All of us have seen the videos, felt the pain, and been inspired to help. The following information outlines how Florida Hospital is responding and offers several ways you can get involved.

This is the first of several Katrina Update bulletins that will be coming your way. All information will also be updated on the intranet.

GOVERNMENT M.A.S.H. UNITS

The magnitude of the destruction has forced the government to declare a Sec 319 Public Health Emergency and is asking hospitals to organize teams to help staff medical shelters in Louisiana and Mississippi. The government is coordinating and organizing all these large scale group efforts. In compliance with this order, Florida Hospital is working through these formal channels. The government is going to set up MASH like tents with a 250 bed capacity. They need 100 people per tent for a two week period minimum. They are trying to open 10,000 beds and need a total of 4,000 people. Florida Hospital Government Relations is coordinating our involvement in this initiative. As soon as more details come to hand, we will send out a bulletin asking for volunteers.

PATIENT TRANSFERS

Because hospitals in the hurricane area have been impacted as well, there is the possibility that we will be asked to accept some transfer patients (mainly children). The Florida State Department of Health is coordinating these transfer activities. Florida Hospital’s Government Relations team is serving as our liaison with the Department of Health for these transfers. Any requests for transfers should be redirected to Susan McDivitt with EFS 8 at 850-921-0215.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS

At times like this, every person wants to do something. We support this desire and motivation. The Florida State Department of Health has established a website for medical professionals who wish to offer their personal time and effort. Medical professionals can register at www.disasterhelp.net/gulfcoast. By going through the Department of Health you will be assigned as a federal employee to where you are most needed. The possibility of reimbursement for services is being worked on.

CASH DONATIONS

In addition to organizing group efforts through government agencies, and facilitating volunteer efforts thru the Department of Health, Florida Hospital has made cash donations to the Red Cross, United Way and the Adventist Community Services. We encourage you to do the same and have attached the information for donating to these three agencies.(This list of organizations can also be found on our intranet site main page.)

LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Experiences like this remind us of our frailty and vulnerability. As individuals and as a hospital, we want to do all that we can to help our neighbors who are in distress. We are committed to doing this and will keep you informed with these bulletins as more information comes in. The State has reminded us that in our desire to help we must not leave Central Florida vulnerable if a future hurricane should strike. We are doing our best to be prudent as well as helpful. We are here for our community yet will assist others up to the extent we able without diminishing our ability to care for Central Florida.

We solicit your support for these efforts and invite your prayers for all who have felt the cruel touch of this storm. To all we say, take courage in the truth that “the eternal God is our refuge”.

American Red Cross (800) HELP NOW (435-7669) English; (800) 257-7575 Spanish
Adventist Community Services (800) 381-7171
The United Way 1-800-272-4630

Dick Duerksen
Assistant Vice President
Mission development
Florida Hospital