Citation

Maese J. Prehosp. Disaster Med. 2009; 24(1): 73-75.

Affiliation

Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program, Staten Island University Hospital, 375 Seguine Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10309, USA. jmaese@att.net

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19557961

Abstract

It is clear from disaster evaluations that communities must be prepared to act independently before government agencies can cope with the early ramifications of disasters. In response to devastation to the borough of Staten Island, New York in the wake of 11 September 2001, the Richmond County Medical Society established a structure to incorporate community needs and institutions to work together for the common good. A program that brings together two hospital systems, nursing homes, emergency medical services, and the Office of Emergency Management physician leadership in a meaningful way now is in place. This approach has improved the disaster preparedness of Staten Island and demonstrated how the Medical Society can provide leadership in disaster preparedness and serve as a conduit for communication amongst entities that normally do not communicate.

Language: en