The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s (UTHSC) campus-wide effort is focused on supporting the 13,000-plus hurricane evacuees who are now in Memphis.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s (UTHSC) campus-wide effort is focused on supporting the 13,000-plus hurricane evacuees who are now in Memphis. Following is an in-depth update:
1) Delivery of healthcare:
With needs changing daily and sometimes hourly, help is currently needed at these two locations:
The Red Cross needs licensed and fully trained staff physicians at the 1400 Central Avenue location.
Dunn Elementary Shelter (1500 Dunn Ave.) needs physicians during the evening hours (5 to10 p.m.).
We are channeling all clinical volunteer work through the Memphis Shelby County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). We have been asked to provide clinical support to the EMA shelters and Red Cross Clinics. Volunteer physicians, dentists, mental health providers and pharmacists are needed.
To volunteer for these opportunities, e-mail: volunteer@uthsc.edu.
Please include your name, contact information, area of healthcare expertise, and time of availability. You will be contacted with times and locations where you are needed.
2) Basic/immediate needs:
Lifeblood (529.6320 or visit www.lifeblood.org)
Lifeblood continues to need donations.
The Paul Barret Jr. Donation Center is closest to campus and is located at 1045 Madison Ave. You may call 522-9198 to make an appointment. Other Lifeblood locations are: East, Germantown, North, Bartlett, Collierville and Desoto Centers.
American Red Cross (901-726-1690; www.memphisredcross.org)
Monetary donations for the Red Cross can be made through the Office of Advancement and External Relations, Hyman Building, Suite 500; 448-5516.
3) “Displaced by Disaster Transfer Students:”
Each of the UTHSC colleges is willing to work with students displaced by the disaster to ensure a smooth transfer. For more information, students may call the following contacts for each college:
College of Allied Health Sciences — Dr. George Harwell 448-6304
College of Health Science Engineering — Dr. Joo Ong 448-1730
College of Dentistry — Johnnie Hart
(assistant to Dr. Wisdom Coleman) 448-6268
College of Medicine — Students, contact Ruby Bland 448-5697
Residents, contact Mary Ann Watson 448-5364
College of Graduate Health Sciences — Becky Brown 448-5538
College of Nursing — Dr. Cheryl Stegbauer 448-8083
College of Pharmacy — Dr. Stephanie Phelps 448-8780
College of Social Work — Dr. Theora Evans 448-4463
4) Campus Community Support:
Student assistance program (1-800-327-2255, press option #3) and employee assistance program (1-800-308-4934) are available to those experiencing stress related to the disaster, even those not directly affected. This 24/7 program is available free of charge and provides a variety of counseling services that go beyond the typical mental and behavioral health concerns. They also provide counseling on finances and child/elder care. You may get more information at www.campusblues.com.