Post by karen on Oct 24, 2005 9:08:03 GMT -5
Reply to: k.ko@earthlink.net
Date: 2005-10-16, 11:51AM CDT
Hi, my name is Kaethe Ko; I recently returned from three weeks of medical relief work in Biloxi, MS. We have established a free medical clinic at the Biloxi Yankie Stadium, just a few blocks from the coast and in the middle of the area with the greatest need. The clinic is currently open 6-7 days per week, depending on available staffing; and we are seeing about 150 patients per day and will continue to be open as long as there is a community need.
This is a desperately needy community, most of the homes are flattened, or nearly so. many of the people have had limited access to medical care in the past, or have now lost their jobs due to the destruction of the casinos and other businesses.
Our clinic is located on the grounds of a Salvation Army Distribution Center, with three meals per day for residents and workers provided by the southern baptist convention volunteers- but it is totally independent and staffed entirely by medical volunteers LIKE YOU from everywhere in the US. If you are looking for a place to volunteer, this is the real thing, the front line, the best money you will invest in a plane ticket as the patients are soooo appreciative of your effort!
In addition to immunizations and prescription refills, we see patients needing care for cardiac, endocrine, respiratory, dermatology, and minor trauma needs. We currently have a good supply of basic medications and medical supplies although we are constantly soliciting for more donations. We have also been a resource for providing wheelchairs, glucometers and nebulizers for patients who lost them to Katrina.
The Salvation Army has provided an RV for medical staff to stay in; obviously you should bring your own sleeping bag, and food is available on site from the Baptist Convention.
All of the medical staff needs to register through the International Medical Alliance (imaonline.org) as they are the organization that is coordinating the volunteers, and has the tax deduction info if you need it. They will also give you the information needed to be licensed to work in Mississippi. The State of Mississippi is very particular about proper licensure now that the immediate emergency needs have transitioned to recovery.
You are welcome to contact me with questions, k.ko@earthlink.net or 916 607 8817. I work in surgery so i do not always have access to my phone, but i will call you back in the evening (san francisco). I will be returning to Biloxi at the end of the month for another week, so cell phone is the best way to contact me for the week of 28 October-5 November as email is not dependable.
If you are not able to volunteer time, we also need medications and medical supplies. Your local reps are excellent resources for samples. Again, please contact me and I can email you a formulary list. We are now receiving mail, so packages can be sent to Biloxi Free Clinic, 281 Lee St Biloxi MS 39530. Please label URGENT MEDICAL SUPPLIES.
I cannot emphasize enough how great the medical need is along the gulf coast and specifically in Biloxi, one of the poorest areas. thank you very much for any help.
Date: 2005-10-16, 11:51AM CDT
Hi, my name is Kaethe Ko; I recently returned from three weeks of medical relief work in Biloxi, MS. We have established a free medical clinic at the Biloxi Yankie Stadium, just a few blocks from the coast and in the middle of the area with the greatest need. The clinic is currently open 6-7 days per week, depending on available staffing; and we are seeing about 150 patients per day and will continue to be open as long as there is a community need.
This is a desperately needy community, most of the homes are flattened, or nearly so. many of the people have had limited access to medical care in the past, or have now lost their jobs due to the destruction of the casinos and other businesses.
Our clinic is located on the grounds of a Salvation Army Distribution Center, with three meals per day for residents and workers provided by the southern baptist convention volunteers- but it is totally independent and staffed entirely by medical volunteers LIKE YOU from everywhere in the US. If you are looking for a place to volunteer, this is the real thing, the front line, the best money you will invest in a plane ticket as the patients are soooo appreciative of your effort!
In addition to immunizations and prescription refills, we see patients needing care for cardiac, endocrine, respiratory, dermatology, and minor trauma needs. We currently have a good supply of basic medications and medical supplies although we are constantly soliciting for more donations. We have also been a resource for providing wheelchairs, glucometers and nebulizers for patients who lost them to Katrina.
The Salvation Army has provided an RV for medical staff to stay in; obviously you should bring your own sleeping bag, and food is available on site from the Baptist Convention.
All of the medical staff needs to register through the International Medical Alliance (imaonline.org) as they are the organization that is coordinating the volunteers, and has the tax deduction info if you need it. They will also give you the information needed to be licensed to work in Mississippi. The State of Mississippi is very particular about proper licensure now that the immediate emergency needs have transitioned to recovery.
You are welcome to contact me with questions, k.ko@earthlink.net or 916 607 8817. I work in surgery so i do not always have access to my phone, but i will call you back in the evening (san francisco). I will be returning to Biloxi at the end of the month for another week, so cell phone is the best way to contact me for the week of 28 October-5 November as email is not dependable.
If you are not able to volunteer time, we also need medications and medical supplies. Your local reps are excellent resources for samples. Again, please contact me and I can email you a formulary list. We are now receiving mail, so packages can be sent to Biloxi Free Clinic, 281 Lee St Biloxi MS 39530. Please label URGENT MEDICAL SUPPLIES.
I cannot emphasize enough how great the medical need is along the gulf coast and specifically in Biloxi, one of the poorest areas. thank you very much for any help.