AONE eNews Update
Nursing Leadership's Weekly News Report
September 14, 2001
Published by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)
Dear AONE Members and Colleagues:
Tuesday’s horrific events remind us of how precious life, our families, and our freedom are to each and every one of us. The Board of Directors and staff of AONE express our grief, sorrow and deepest sympathy to the victims and their families. We ask you to join us in keeping them in our prayers, as well as our colleagues in the New York and Washington areas who are unselfishly working to treat the injured, restore their health, and comfort the families of the victims. We also ask that you pray for our nation as we strive to restore our sense of peace and security, heal our wounds, and strengthen our collective resolve.
Right now, it is our understanding that there are more than enough volunteers to meet immediate demands. However, as noted in the statement from the American Hospital Association and the American Red Cross reprinted below, there is a need right now for medical professionals with phlebotomy skills. Also, while the immediate need for blood seems to have been met, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said yesterday that "while the incredible response of the public has been lifesaving in this crisis, the blood supply is almost always tight and increased blood donation will remain a continuing need." He added, "The ideal will be long-term commitment and scheduling of blood donation to ensure a steady and reliable supply." We ask that you and your colleagues be prepared to assist in any way you can during the next several weeks.
In addition, the Greater New York Hospital Foundation has established an emergency relief fund for post-traumatic stress counseling for anyone affected by this tragedy. The Oklahoma Hospital Association strongly recommended establishing a fund like this based on its experience with the Oklahoma City bombing. To donate, please make checks payable to: Greater New York Hospital Foundation, 555 W. 57th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
Finally, the American Hospital Association has created an "Emergency Preparedness Resources" link on its web site. You can access it through the link listed below or the AONE web site. Click on it for materials related to emergency preparedness; phone numbers for information about blood donations, monetary donations, and victim assistance; the latest AHA News Now reports, and more.
Please continue to visit the following web sites for up-to-date information:
American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org)
America’s Blood Centers (http://www.americasblood.org)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov)
Healthcare Association of New York State (http://www.hanys.org)
Greater New York Hospital Association (http://www.gnyha.org)
New York State Nurses Association (http://www.nysna.org)
American Hospital Association (http://www.aha.org)
Peace and be well.
Pamela A. Thompson, MSN, RN
Executive Director
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Red Cross and American Hospital Association Call for Trained Medical Staff to Assist Collecting Blood
TO: American Hospital Association Member employees
American Red Cross Blood Services Region Employees and Volunteers
FROM: Mr. Dick Davidson, president, American Hospital Association
Dr. Bernadine Healy, President and CEO, American Red Cross
DATE: September 13, 2001
SUBJECT: Collaboration to collect blood donations
Beginning moments after the devastating disasters in Washington D.C., Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and New York City, thousands of generous Americans across the country flooded American Red Cross blood centers - some waiting four hours and longer - for the chance to give a piece of themselves, their precious blood, to help save lives. Within the first 10 hours of this disaster, 1.4 million people called 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a blood donation appointment and Americans will continue this generous support throughout the coming days.
The American Red Cross and the American Hospital Association are announcing a collaboration and asking for your continued support as we work with America's generous, volunteer blood donors. We are asking for all hospital executives to contact their local American Red Cross Blood Services region if they have medical professionals with phlebotomy skills that can help collect blood from Red Cross donors.
We are touched by the outpouring of support, and with the strength of both of our organizations working together, we will continue to serve all healthy Americans who call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a blood donation appointment. Thank you, and remember ... Together, we can save a life.
