CONTACT: PHONE: E-MAIL:
David Cowgill Public and Community Relations Manager VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (412) 365-4052 david.cowgill@med.va.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Responds to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts PITTSBURGH – September 7, 2005 – The leadership and staff of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) share a deep concern for those who have endured Hurricane Katrina and are struggling in its aftermath. The VAPHS has already activated and deployed 15 employees and other resources to the affected area to provide immediate assistance. To date, VAPHS has deployed 15 full-time employees to support the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts including 4 Physicians, 3 Psychologists, 1 Registered Nurse, 1 Registered Dietician, 1 Medical Clerk, 2 Human Resources Assistants, 1 Health Technician, 1 Pharmacy Technician, and 1 Driver. The VAPHS currently has a roster of 45 additional employee volunteers who are on standby and ready to be deployed to offer assistance in the relief efforts when they are called upon. Additionally, on September 6, 2005, VAPHS deployed to Jackson, Mississippi, our mobile clinical van with exam room and medical supplies with its clinical team of a Physician and Registered Nurse to assist in treatment and support of the evacuees. The VAPHS also sent cases of supplies in the van including toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, soap, socks, lap robes, and deodorant to be distributed to the evacuees. VAPHS also stands ready to receive those in need and have already had veteran evacuees present themselves for medical care in Pittsburgh who have been impacted by the hurricane. VAPHS remains committed to this critical endeavor and continues to update and increase our volunteer roster to be in a constant state of readiness to lend any assistance needed.
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