Make a Difference

Alabama Nurse, Dec 2004-Feb 2005

Join the Alabama Department of Public Health Emergency Response Nurse Volunteer Network The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is seeking nurses licensed to practice in Alabama, who are willing to volunteer their services should a bioterrorist event or other public health emergency occur. Nurse volunteers might be called upon to serve in a variety of capacities during natural or man-made public health emergencies within the state, and we need your help.

In the event of a catastrophic emergency, local supplies of drugs and medical equipment could be diminished rapidly. The federal government would rapidly send needed pharmaceutical s and supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to support systems of care and volunteer efforts. Coordinating trained volunteer staff to deploy these supplies and set up mass clinics will be crucial to safeguard our communities.

If you choose to participate, we will provide free emergency preparedness training for which you will receive continuing education contact hours. Training opportunities will be provided on smallpox administration technique, mass vaccination exercises, basic first aide, CPR classes and other mass care and bioterrorism topics. When training dates have been scheduled you will be notified of locations and times. There will be training opportunities for nurse volunteers throughout the year.

If you are interested in joining the ADPH Volunteer Nurse Network, please contact:

Jessica Hardy

334-206-5226

jhardy@adph.state.al.us Alabama Department of Public Health

Office of Professional & Support Services

201 Monroe Street, Suite 1010

Montgomery, AL 36104