Help Hurricane Katrina Victims

[Phil Anthropist]

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mustangsally65 posted this in the Lounge and I thought I'd post it in Pre-Allo too:

We all have been wanting some information about how we can help those affected by this storm. Keep in mind it won't just affect those on the coast, but high winds and tornado watches, as well as flooding will have a big impact on people hundreds of miles inland.

Here's a quote from a post in Allopathic:

Hey, y'all.

I'm a 4th year at UCSF and used to post on this forum a LONG time ago. I was thinking of trying to rally up some other 4th years who have easy electives right now and head out to Louisiana or somewhere close by to help hurricane families.

Does anyone have any tips on where we could help out? I was thinking we could help with primary care - people who forgot their insulin or whose calcium channel blockers they haven't refilled.

Does anyone from Tulane or other local med schools have any good ideas on this? The Red Cross doesn't seem to be the right place. Any local clinics that could help? Any other med students want to meet up and help out?

Pete

We all know about the Red Cross, but we want to do more than just donate money or supplies.

That's where you guys come in: I need suggestions! I'm in Western NC, and so I don't know much about the NOLA area or where to organize help. I'd appreciate some suggestions to organize aid in the next few days and weeks.

 

[Phil Anthropist]

Taken from QofQuimica and Arsenic810:

To all SDN members,

Hurricane Katrina has caused massive devastation in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

We are asking all SDNers to donate whatever they feel they can afford to the Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund. Even if you can only donate $5 or $10, please take the time to do this; there are nearly 60,000 of us on SDN, so if we each donated $5, that would raise over a quarter of a million dollars for hurricane relief. Thanks to everyone on SDN for your help and compassion.

 

[mustangsally65]

This is a great idea posted by MedicallyBlond in another thread. If there is some way we can get the message out to sdners and others who don't have phone service (or are being ridiculously over-charged for it) but who can contact us through the internet, then we can make phone calls for those who need to get in touch with people all over the country.

If you feel like posting please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. I've got free long-distance and unlimited minutes if you need someone to make calls for you.

This came from the Tulane & Hurricane Katrina thread in Pre-Allo. It was in response to a post by Sondra, who has lost everything except the clothes she was wearing while working at a hospital during the storm in Gulfport, MS. She reported that "The people who are able to use their cell phones get a verizon wireless message stating the at it will cost 2.99 to activate and 1.99 a minute to talk."

So maybe we can start a phone-calling service for those without phones to try to locate loved ones or let people know that thier relatives down on the Gulf are safe.

 

[Phil Anthropist]

Sally,

That's an interesting idea.

Just brainstorming here...

What's your plan? Have an e-mail address that the users can send info to (i.e., the names of people unable to contact their loved ones, contact persons' names, contact persons' phone numbers) and work from there? [I assume e-mail addresses and messenger screen names wouldn't be necessary because otherwise the relatives/friends/loved ones could already be contacted.] We would need a way to keep the information confidential and we would need to find people to make the phone calls. I don't have a problem if people want to send someone (e.g., MedicallyBlond) their info voluntarily, but if SDNers' user names are compromised against their will, then SDN risks violating its privacy policy. Additionally, users wishing to retain their anonymity couldn't just PM users their personal info without losing their anonymity (well, I guess they could say "my friend is trying to contact his/her relatives" 😛). Perhaps one way to get around that would be to somehow compose a list (of SDNers as well as non-SDNers simply trying to contact loved ones) and remove any hints of information to SDN identities. After that, forward information to phone call volunteers. I'd have to speak with the Lee to see if we could actually do anything formally. Otherwise, you guys may be able to think of something informally.

Again, just brainstorming. =)

Edit: From the Tulane and Hurricane Katrina thread

I don't know if this will even be possible, because if those who need to make phone calls don't have internet acccess there is no way for them to realize we are offering to make phone calls for them.

If SDNers in the area can get the word out to those down there that we're doing this (assuming we are 😛), they could then obtain the contact info, then get it to SDNers, and then the SDNers could contact these people's families/friends/loved ones.

 

[mustangsally65]

I don't really have a plan, but I saw the suggestion and thought it was a good one. I wouldn't mind fielding all the requests, I've just signed up for an email account at Yahoo! [email protected] so perhaps all email inquiries can be sent there. I will share the password with any mod who wants to help or anyone else if it is a reasonable request.

What does everyone think?

 

[MedicallyBlond]

I don't really have a plan, but I saw the suggestion and thought it was a good one. I wouldn't mind fielding all the requests, I've just signed up for an email account at Yahoo! [email protected] so perhaps all email inquiries can be sent there. I will share the password with any mod who wants to help or anyone else if it is a reasonable request.

What does everyone think?

I'm in, of course. Let me know what I can do. I'd also encourage everyone to go to the Red Cross website and donate to Hurricane Relief 2005. Even just the $5 minimum helps.

 

[DeadorAlive]

My suggestion would be...

publicize the Yahoo email as the central line. Have both volunteers and those in need of svcs just send info to that address (no SDN names needed, thus not in breach of privacy issues; can thus also be publicized to non-SDN sites). As I assume there will be far more volunteers than folks w/ internet in need of the service, you can just pair 1:1 a volunteer with a person in need; send the volunteer a list of the person's contacts w/ phone and the message they want relayed.

It may even be worth developing a basic script to follow - "I'm calling on behalf of so-and-so who wanted you to know that...." Maintaining the 1:1 relationship would be key in order to allow folks to call back the volunteer, continue getting information, etc.

Mustang if you need help managing the central distribution, let me know. I'd think you can just keep a database of which volunteers have already been assigned, and work form there. Volunteers would just send their name and email, and those in the area would send lists of contacts and how best to reach THEM as well.

I'll email the yahoo acct with this, too. Hope it works.

 

[mustangsally65]

DeadorAlive has a great idea. Anyone wanting to volunteer or anyone in need of volunteers to make phone calls if you have no phone service is welcome to email us at [email protected] .

I/we will try to get back to you as soon as possible. You can also PM me.

I'll post this in the Lounge thread as well. I hope that doesn't violate TOS!

 

[Phil Anthropist]

I'll post this in the Lounge thread as well. I hope that doesn't violate TOS!

Cross-posting?! 😡 Sally, you're just asking to be banned!!!






[see 1st post 😛]

Random question: Are most people also unable to access public pay phones? 😕

 

[mustangsally65]

Random question: Are most people also unable to access public pay phones? 😕

From what I've read it seems the phone lines aren't working, so even if the pay phones are accessible, they don't work. Some people have said the phones are acting weird, so even if they do have a working phone line, it doesn't work all the time.

 

[Phil Anthropist]

Interesting. I'd be happy to help out. =)

Edit:

Also, is there anyone in those areas *with access to the internet* who would be willing to gather information from people who are unable to access the internet? The reason I ask is that if we do this solely with the e-mail address contact, it will be limited in that only people with internet access will be able to get us their contact info.

 

[nitecap]

bling bling every time I come around this forum bling bling

 

[DrWorkNeverDone]

I am interested in doing the phone calling..I have unlimited long distance on my phone. I don't mind giving my info either. Please PM me!

 

[mustangsally65]

Okay, we haven't gotten any requests for phone calls, so I'm proposing something else.

I have found a website (efundraising.com) and am planning on opening an account. Here's how it works:

Online Magazine Program

Great selection, great savings, great profit!

Start your online magazine fundraising campaign now and get

A cost-free way to earn more profits with less effort

A risk-free program with no door-to-door selling and no inventory to handle

Year round fundraising that you can combine with other fundraising programs

40 cents of every dollar collected goes to your organization, which in our case would be collected and donated to organizations (Red Cross, Humane Society etc.) as we decide which to do.

The good thing is it's a free website, and we can all refer friends and family to renew magazine subscriptions online.

Let me know what you think! If people think this is a good idea, then PM me or email me at [email protected] or reply to this thread. I will probably set it up later today if I get some good feedback.

 

[LadyJubilee8_18]

Okay, we haven't gotten any requests for phone calls, so I'm proposing something else.

I have found a website (efundraising.com) and am planning on opening an account. Here's how it works:



40 cents of every dollar collected goes to your organization, which in our case would be collected and donated to organizations (Red Cross, Humane Society etc.) as we decide which to do.

The good thing is it's a free website, and we can all refer friends and family to renew magazine subscriptions online.

Let me know what you think! If people think this is a good idea, then PM me or email me at [email protected] or reply to this thread. I will probably set it up later today if I get some good feedback.

I know many SDNers live in the Houston areas, and there are lots of ways to help those affected directly. I am going to volunteer my time today and on tuesday. Can we start a thread for those in Houston? Maybe we can meet up and volunteer together. I prefer helping directly to donating money to some organization. When you go in person, you know you are actually providing relief.

 

[mustangsally65]

I know many SDNers live in the Houston areas, and there are lots of ways to help those affected directly. I am going to volunteer my time today and on tuesday. Can we start a thread for those in Houston? Maybe we can meet up and volunteer together. I prefer helping directly to donating money to some organization. When you go in person, you know you are actually providing relief.

Sounds good. I would rather help in person myself, but I'm in NC.

Why don't you start a thread in the Lounge? I know seethrew was just looking for a way to find out how to help out in Houston if she ends up going out there. Or you could just use the Katrina sticky that's already in the Lounge.

I think it's a great idea. Let me know if I can do anything else to help.

 

[BaylorGuy]

Houston/Astrodome is calling for all volunteers...medical experience is preferred but not mandatory. I'm planning on spending my weekend there...anyone else going?

 

[mshheaddoc]

From what I've read it seems the phone lines aren't working, so even if the pay phones are accessible, they don't work. Some people have said the phones are acting weird, so even if they do have a working phone line, it doesn't work all the time.

you can't really call in the area on cell phones. House lines are spotty. I've been trying for the past 2 days 🙁

 

[mshheaddoc]

Houston/Astrodome is calling for all volunteers...medical experience is preferred but not mandatory. I'm planning on spending my weekend there...anyone else going?

Where's the info for this? I've seen a few inquiries of people wanting to help.

 

[mustangsally65]

Found this online:

The Red Cross in Houston needs volunteers to help these people. Call (713) 526-8300 to register as a volunteer with the Greater Houston Area Chapter of the Red Cross. There's also a phone bank set up at (713) 313-5480 and people can donate directly to this chapter.

something else

Harris County Citizen Corps- Astrodome shelter for disaster refugees:


Persons wanting to volunteer in direct service to help the Katrina disaster victims who have arrived in Houston should go to the McNee Street parking lot just north of Reliant Stadium, between Kirby and Fannin..* (They should use the “West Entrance”, so called because it is on the west side of Reliant Center).* If met by a guard, volunteers should identify themselves as being with Harris County Citizen Corps.Volunteers should come to the 2nd floor of Reliant Center and ask for the volunteer coordinator.* About 300-500 volunteers will be needed on the scene at all times around the clock.


*


Volunteers should be able-bodied individuals who can walk 3 flights of stairs. Shifts last 4 to 8 hours, and standard shift times are as follows:


*


Shift One: 6a.m. to 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


Shift Two: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.


Shift Three: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.


Volunteers must be 18 or older. When you check in let them know if there are additional shifts and days you can volunteer.* It’s recommended that volunteers wear comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water, and avoid taking their purses.

Please note that this page has tons of info for Houston! Visit the link if you are interested.

 

[Jon Davis]

Here is a new site put up by former Presidents Bush and Clinton to aid the relief effors in the Hurricane Katrina affected regions. Here is the site:

http://www.bushclintonkatrinafund.org/

As you all probably know, cash is the best form of donation for the hurricane relief effort. All donations are FULLY tax deductable. I urge all the members here on SDN to visit the site and contribute whatever is possible.
Thank you, JD.

 

[lexy10]

I just wanted to thank everyone for any donation of time, money, supplies, and thoughts to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. My mother lost her house in New Orleans. It is just nice to know there are so many people willing to help. 😍

 

[SpeedRacer]

um, yeah i'm in the process of getting the rest of my dept of health & human service app in to volunteer with medically related stuff down there, but now i just got scared after reading something about volunteers getting raped...

since going through h&h you are a temporary federal employee, would there be more security? or should i just give this up...

😕 😕

 

[Jon Davis]

um, yeah i'm in the process of getting the rest of my dept of health & human service app in to volunteer with medically related stuff down there, but now i just got scared after reading something about volunteers getting raped...

since going through h&h you are a temporary federal employee, would there be more security? or should i just give this up...

😕 😕

I suggest voicing your concerns to the people who are in charge of the registry. It *seems* as though you will probably be working in a controlled environment, especially since the cities have been secured. I highly praise you for your choice to volunteer your services for this great cause.
Godspeed.

 

[DrMike24]

www.houstonfoodbank.org. I know they are helping to feed people, and have a special donation site set up for katrina relief. For every dollar you donate, they purchase 25 dollars worht of food.

 

[tank you]

if anyone here wants to help the victims and get a nice t-shirt, go here: http://threadless.com/product/304/Regrowth:_Katrina
the tee costs $10 and the company (threadless) donates $20 for each one you buy, tell all your friends 🙂

 

[rtmcad2319]

Taken from QofQuimica and Arsenic810:

To all SDN members,

Hurricane Katrina has caused massive devastation in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

We are asking all SDNers to donate whatever they feel they can afford to the Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund. Even if you can only donate $5 or $10, please take the time to do this; there are nearly 60,000 of us on SDN, so if we each donated $5, that would raise over a quarter of a million dollars for hurricane relief. Thanks to everyone on SDN for your help and compassion.

The American Red Cross is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Rear Admiral Marsha J. Evans (USN, ret.) is President and CEO. Her base salary is $450,000 per year [1].

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Red_Cross

Something to think about!!

 

[ClearDay]

The American Red Cross is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Rear Admiral Marsha J. Evans (USN, ret.) is President and CEO. Her base salary is $450,000 per year [1].

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Red_Cross

Something to think about!!

Ouch... that hurts. That money could have gone to 225 Katrina families.

 

[rtmcad2319]

Ouch... that hurts. That money could have gone to 225 Katrina families.

I AGREE! And thats why I'm trying to either house a family or donate to more of a 'direct' source.

 

[PhDtoDO]

Hi

I'm a final year PhD in the tulane med school. Try the Tulane website. I'll email of doctor friend of mine and ask. He's a tulane doc and just went back to help out. I could look into it. In the meantime, try the tulane webpage.

I know a fellow graduate student who a friend of mine said that's he's training to go back and volunteer with the red cross....they were really helpful to me here in stlouis.

let me get back to you.

Email me if I loose this thread


-sarah

 

[PhDtoDO]

Forward message from my friend Dr Josh:

nope. no good way for them to help right now. though it is needed, and will soon be available to more people, volunteer opportunities lack an infrastructure to support them. it is a job for the public service sector and military to coordinate at triage centers such as MSY. besides, it makes no sense for civilians to volunteer (legally) in a city under "mandatory" evacuation. the best volunteer opportunities are in outlying areas which have borne the brunt of the evacuees. lafayette, baton rouge are the top two. houston and san antonio are the next in the pecking order. as for lafayette, just show up at the ragin' cajun dome and ask if there is any volunteer opportunity. as for baton rouge show up at the field house and ask the same. i have heard of many MDs being turned away because there are too many already! while this is a good thing, it should be kept in mind that med students will probably not have their skills put to best use when there is an oversupply of doctors to begin with & their volunteering may be of a less medical and more menial nature. had this question come 10 days ago, this answer would have been more optimistic. as for me sarah, it is 330AM local time, I just woke up & am headed in and hour and a half to the airport with xiaoxiao to take her to brown university (where she was graciously accepted following katrina) and help her get settled-in. i don't have much more time, and will respond to your previous email as soon as i can (may not have internet access in RI if the hotel doesn't provide it). I just thought this particular question needed a more timely response. the skinny is that all is well here. i will probably be going to houston for a while to live in a dorm and serve the evacuee population as things get coordinated in the next week or two. i'll let you know. will be visiting nola in the next couple of weeks with MD licence in hand (told it helps get by the military folks) to assess the damage to my property. if you need a lift into town . . . . lemmeno.

josh


On 9/12/05, sarah nangle <[email protected]> wrote:
Hey,

I was looking on the Student Doctor Website and there are a number of
students that are looking for a way to go to NOLA and volunteer during their
freetime or mayhap as part of a flex-rotation.

Any suggestions?

I told them I'd ask.

Sarah;-)