Flu-pandemic plans call for volunteers to assist professionals

Information

Public Health Reserve Corps: www.metrokc.gov/health/

phreservecorps/

If an avian flu were to actually land in King County, it would trigger such a crisis that public-health officials would need help.

So Wednesday, officials with Public Health — Seattle & King County announced the launch of the Public Health Reserve Corps, which they hope will be an army of volunteers, including health professionals and regular members of the public, who can respond not just to a flu pandemic but to bioterrorism attacks and other public-health emergencies.

Volunteers would be trained and ready to work side by side with public-health officials. They could help dispense medication and vaccines, conduct health screenings and assessments, or detect and track disease outbreaks, among other duties.

Dorothy Teeter, interim director of Public Health, said Hurricane Katrina helped show how King County needs such trained, organized volunteers. And not just doctors, nurses and pharmacists but support workers as well.

After the hurricane hit the Gulf Coast last year, Public Health was notified that planeloads of evacuees could soon be arriving, and many of them would be in need of immediate medical attention. Health officials quickly realized they didn't have enough staff to deal with them. Fortunately, no planes arrived. But the experience solidified a suspicion among the health officials that recruiting volunteers in a rush is not the best way, Teeter said.

Medical professionals being sought include pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and physicians. Volunteers for support positions must be at least 18 years old and have up-to-date immunizations. While they won't be paid, they will be covered by liability and injury insurance and will be trained.

Carol M. Ostrom: 206-464-2249 or costrom@seattletimes.com