News Release

HHS Releases Website and Toll Free Number for Deployment by Health Care Professionals

The Department of Health and Human Services has established a website (https://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.

�The desire of America�s health care professionals to use their skills to help Hurricane Katrina�s victims has been inspiring, � Secretary Mike Leavitt said. �This website and toll free number are important tools to become part of this network of goodness that is taking place.�

Multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and relief personnel with expertise in the following areas are encouraged to visit the website and register to volunteer for appointment by HHS:

Please be advised that individuals must be healthy enough to function under field conditions. This may include all or some of the following:

12-hour shifts
Austere conditions (possibly no showers, housing in tents)
No air conditioning
Long periods of standing
Sleep accommodations on bedroll
Military ready to eat meals

These workers will be non-paid temporary Federal employees, and will therefore be eligible for coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act for liability coverage and Workman�s Compensation when functioning as HHS employees. Although there will not be any salary, travel and per diem will be paid.

Individuals with no healthcare background can find information on volunteering USAFreedomCorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.