FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

 

For more information, contact:

Elizabeth Maynard-Garrett, APR

UTHSC Communications and Marketing

(901) 448-4957, or

 

Anne W. Manning

(901) 448-4072

 

UT HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER OFFERS

HEALTHCARE EXPERTISE TO EVACUEES

Memphis, Tennessee (September 13, 2005) —The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is drawing on several areas of its healthcare expertise, as well as certain specialized facilities to support the 15,000 Hurricane Katrina evacuees now staying in the Memphis area.

Following are highlights:

1.) Most of UTHSC's clinical efforts, in partnership with UT Medical Group, are being channeled through the Memphis & Shelby County Emergency Management Agency. Volunteer healthcare activities are focused at Dunn Elementary Shelter and the American Red Cross at 1400 Central Avenue.

2.) Each of UTHSC’s seven colleges has a process to ensure a smooth transfer for students displaced by the disaster. Students interested in applying may contact the dean’s office of each college for information. As part of this effort, a list of housing options is being maintained. To date, one student has transferred to the School of Social Work.

3.) The UT Hamilton Eye Institute, in partnership with UT Medical Group, has opened an after-hours clinic to treat evacuees for advanced eye conditions.

4.) UTHSC experts in infectious disease have been working with their colleagues in the Southeast Regional Center of Excellence for Emerging Infections and Biodefense to address pertinent infectious disease issues.

5.) UTHSC is working with various organizations to reach out to displaced researchers in need of temporary laboratory space in which to continue their investigative research.

6.) UT Medical Group is participating in the National Job Bank to make job opportunities available for evacuated workers with certain skills.

Student Activities:

1.) The UTHSC Student Government Association Executive Council recently sponsored a blood drive, collecting 80 units and plans another one for October.

2.) Each college initiated a fund-raising drive for a charitable organization which supports disaster victims.

4.) The UTHSC Student Government Association Executive Council is sponsoring a campus-wide drive for collecting food and other items, which will be distributed based upon need to local churches and other organizations that are housing or caring for evacuees.

5.) College of Allied Health Sciences students are organizing softball games at the evacuee housing sites.

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