October 05, 2005

Genesis Medical Volunteers Assist Hurricane Relief Efforts

Davenport, IA - A Genesis Health System team of two doctors and 17 nurses left Wednesday for two weeks of service in Louisiana to assist with hurricane relief efforts.

The group was mobilized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The group was told it would be assigned to the Shreveport area to establish and work at a field hospital. The group was flown first to Baton Rouge for a brief orientation before heading to their assignment.

“It’s a honor to have been recognized by the federal government for the quality of health care available in the Quad Cities and the generosity of spirit that allows us to share that with people in the south who need our help,’’ said Theresa Brock, assistant administrator and director of nursing, Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt.

Jim Lehman, M.D. and Vice President of Quality, Genesis Health System, said Genesis began assembling a team of volunteers almost immediately after Hurricane Katrina in late August.

“It was gratifying that we had doctors and nurses who were willing to serve and help, knowing that they would probably be living in austere conditions for two weeks,’’ Dr. Lehman said. “It was also gratifying that the nurses who volunteered came from throughout the system. We are sending nurses from Davenport, DeWitt, Visiting Nurses and occupational health. Virtually every nursing area of the system is participating.’’

Doctors who volunteered are Genesis Health Group pediatrician Peter Metcalf, M.D., and Nader Ailabouni, D.O., who is a resident with the Quad Cities Genesis Family Practice Residency Program.

Immediately following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus employees Mike Epping and Laura Kaha were mobilized with the Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team.

MEDIA NOTE: Please call Craig Cooper at 563-421-6263 or 563-349-2070 for interview requests while the team is in Louisiana. We will also have photos available.