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Public health emergencies and natural disasters are unpredictable and can strike at any time. In the event of a large-scale public health emergency, health and medical systems would be overwhelmed with people seeking treatment. The need to meet this demand would be critical. It is important to be prepared to deal with events like these by having medical volunteers to provide an important surge capacity during this period. The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has established the Kentucky Health Emergency Listing of Professionals for Surge (K HELPS) program, a state-based system to register medical professionals interested in volunteering during public health emergencies or disasters. K HELPS was created in 2005 to offer medical support to areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. DPH is actively following up with registrants, ensuring they remain interested in the program. K HELPS complements existing Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) programs, which are community-based organizations utilizing medical professional volunteers to supplement existing local emergency and public health resources for emergency response. Currently, all 120 counties in Kentucky are covered by MRC units. Volunteers can register with K HELPS online and will be assigned to the MRC unit in their geographical area. The local MRC unit will complete the approval process by verifying the person’s license, completing a background check, issuing an identification badge and providing orientation and training. The new system also has the ability to alert volunteers by e-mail and telephone. Local MRC units also can alert and activate volunteers. Kentucky’s goal is to have 2,000 volunteers credentialed, trained and ready to respond to any public health emergency or disaster. All health workers are invited to register. Visit the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family services website to learn more about the K HELPS program.
Kentucky
Medical Association
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4965 US Hwy 42, Ste 2000