Chronicles From Out-of-State Professionals: Providing Primary Care to Underserved Children After a Disaster: A National Organization Response

Abstract

The CHF developed Operation Assist and began preparations to mobilize medical teams. Developed in response to Hurricane Katrina, Operation Assist is a joint emergency-response initiative of the CHF with the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health (New York, NY). CHF's staff determined necessary staffing, supplies, housing, and safety precautions. Clearance was obtained from the Department of Health in Mississippi and Louisiana for its clinicians not only to provide health care through MMUs but also to access gasoline (in short supply at the time), medical supplies, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the MMUs were authorized to travel after curfew, which facilitated the provision of health care services for extended hours. Incredibly, MMUs complete with volunteer medical and support staff were sent from 13 of the CHF's 17 existing rural and urban communities across the United States. Arrangements included the very important provision of rotating personnel on a weekly basis to prevent burnout. Staff at CHF's national headquarters in New York City coordinated scheduling, supplies, and resource needs.