The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received many generous offers of medical and support personnel, housing, transportation, medical equipment, supplies, and medications for the Hurricane Katrina emergency response. We are thankful for the outpouring of this humanitarian volunteerism.
We are now requesting that you direct requests from those who contact your organization about volunteer activities to the following sources:
Public health workers employed by state and local public health agencies
Please volunteer through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), an agreement among 48 states to share resources during a disaster. More information about the EMAC can be found at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) web site and also specifically at the EMAC web site.
Healthcare professionals and relief volunteers from non-public health organizations
The Federal Government is mobilizing and identifying individuals with expertise in several specific professional areas. Please see the HHS web site and please complete and submit the online form to volunteer these individuals. If your volunteers have questions regarding the online application, please call the Hurricane Katrina Volunteer Call Center at 1-866-KATMEDI (1-866- 528-6334).
Members who have an offer of goods or services
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the lead agency in the Hurricane Katrina emergency response, is also involved in mobilizing and identifying individuals . Contact FEMA at their website or call the FEMA hotline at 1-800-440-6728. A representative will take the caller's name and information, as well as what type of goods or services the caller wishes to donate. Donation offers may include temporary housing for disaster victims, vehicles, construction equipment, food, clothing, or other offers that may assist those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The callers will be directed to the National Emergency Resource Registry (NERR).
General volunteers
FEMA is linking coordination to several national voluntary organizations that are active in disaster and emergency response here. You can also call FEMA to volunteer at 1-800-440-6728. As recovery and relief efforts begin to assist victims, well-meaning volunteers are being urged not to report directly to the affected areas unless directed by a volunteer agency. Visit the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network to find additional opportunities to engage in ongoing relief efforts and prepare for future disasters.
We ask that you please forward this information to colleagues who have expressed an interest in volunteering to support this emergency response effort. Again, thank you so much for your outstanding partnership at this time of need!