Press release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health:
Disaster response workshop set for March 13th
Rx Hope to help volunteers headed to Haiti, Chile and other disaster areas
(March 2, 2010) Volunteers around the community are mobilizing to help with the extraordinary devastation in Haiti and Chile, and the need is only expected to grow in the weeks and months to come.
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health and its community partners have organized a free symposium – Rx Hope – to equip those volunteers and medical aid workers with the necessary information, vaccines and prescriptions to travel safely.
The event will be Saturday, March 13 at the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana, 7602 Patriot Crossing, in Fort Wayne. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the workshop will last until approximately 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
Participants will get an overview of general safety issues and infectious disease risks, communication in a disaster environment, and psychological first aid. Necessary vaccinations for traveling will also be offered.
“As a missionary, a volunteer or a disaster relief worker in Haiti or Chile, you will be exposed to more risks than the average international traveler,” says Dr. Deborah McMahan, Allen County Health Commissioner.
“Conditions in these countries remain hazardous, including extensive damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. There are also a number of infectious diseases that pose a threat to volunteers.
“We strongly encourage you and your fellow volunteers to make this clinic part of your pre-travel preparations.”
Please RSVP by calling (260) 420-1011 before March 8.
Rx Hope
What: Disaster care symposium
When: Saturday, March 13, 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
Where: Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana, 7602 Patriot Crossing.
Cost: FreeTo register, please call (260) 420-1011 by March 8th.
Sponsors/Organizers:
- Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health
- Parkview Health
- Lutheran Health Network
- Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County
- Allen County Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT)
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- Fort Wayne Medical Society
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