In response to this crisis, the Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention (ATOP) spearheaded by Dr. Ani Kalayjian, is implementing its Mental Health Outreach Project (MHOP) in the Gulf Coast. The MHOP is mobilizing teams of mental health volunteers to treat survivors. Unfortunately, at least 15% of survivors will present symptoms of PTSD that will require treatment. The MHOP will provide psychosocial aide to those survivors who have lost their family members, home and jobs. More more information, read our Hurricane Press Release.

Other resources for Hurricane Relief

Public Health Nurses Needed- The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials at http://www.astho.org is currently collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to set up a system by which local and state health departments can organize and volunteer to assist with public health activities that will be needed in the coming weeks.

The Department of Health and Human Services has established a website http://volunteer.hhs.gov and toll-free number (1-866-KAT MEDI) to help identify health care professionals and relief personnel to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Listen to New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin on Air America Radio
Find out what is going on in Gulf Coast by listening to Air America Radio Public Voicemail at http://www.airamericaradio.com/katrina/

Hurricane Katrina Assistance for Nursing Students and Faculty
The following Schools of Nursing are able to accommodate students and/or
faculty in baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs from impacted
schools. For more information, go to:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

American Association for Community Colleges

Additional Resources

American Nurses Association

American Hospital Association

American Psychological Association

Publications on Safety

Important Information from the New York City Department of Emergency Management