Hurricane Katrina relief efforts

The following are some of the programs organized to provide chiropractic care to Katrina victims and evacuees, and to assist displaced chiropractors in the region.

Foot Levelers is setting up a matching-fund campaign, and donating all funds received to the American Red Cross.  Every dollar that is donated through Foot Levelers will be matched -- penny for penny -- up to $200,000.  Their goal is to raise $500,000.  To become a part of this humanitarian effort, call Foot Levelers at 800-533-4860.

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The Chiropractic Association of Louisiana website (www.3cdf.com/calinfo/katrinainfo.htm) is posting information on ways to provide jobs and lodging for displaced chiropractors.

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Zonsite, in partnership with One Health, is operating a Chiro Rehab Unit at the Dallas Convention Center to provide services to victims and emergency workers. More than 60 volunteer chiropractors have been mobilized and the unit has become a combined effort of health care and emergency service personnel working together in an unprecedented effort at The Medical Command Center of Dallas (MCC). At press time, they were looking for additional doctors to help in Houston, Lubbock, and San Antonio, scheduling doctors and chiropractic assistance in two-, three- or four-hour increments. Please contact them at 866-966-2778, or Supplierhelp@zonsite.com to determine current needs.

In addition, they were asking Dallas/Ft. Worth chiropractors to provide housing to volunteer doctors arriving from out of town. According to Dr. Rebecca Burton, of One Health, “the initial response for volunteers has been amazing but we still need to have chiropractors volunteer to help in the coming weeks.” To volunteer time, call Zonsite’s Call Center at 866-966-2778, e-mail your availability to DChelp@zonsite.com, or sign up online at www.zonsite1.com/katrina/volunteer.php.

According to Dr. Daniel Gonzalez, president of Zonsite, “The Chiropractic Rehab Unit is in desperate need of Flexion-Distraction and Ergobasic Stationary tables (we are currently using portable tables), supplements (individual daily packs preferred), meal replacements, cervical, lumbar, and knee supports, heating pads, a hydrocolater, reusable ice packs, and kinesis tape. In addition, ultrasound or either Erchonia or Microlight Laser, 2-channel muscle-stim, and TENS units are in demand. We foresee a fully functional chiropractic rehab unit needed for at least two months.” Contact the company at 866-966-2778, or Supplierhelp@zonsite.com, or go to www.zonsite1.com/katrina/suppliers.php for a complete list of items needed.

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Check the Katrina Relief bulletin board at the Parker College website (www.parkercc.edu/alumni/katrina_relief.asp) for notices on various activities of Parker alumni to aide area doctors through fund raising and other efforts.

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The Mississippi Chiropractic Association has set up a donation fund to benefit Mississippi doctors of chiropractic. Donations should be sent to: MS Chiropractic Relief Fund, Attention: Vickie Webb, 134 Marion Ave., McComb, MS 39648. All donations are tax deductible and receipts will be sent. Donations will be used by Mississippi doctors of chiropractic and their families to restore damaged homes and clinics. Mississippi chiropractors in need of assistance should contact Webb at vickie_m_webb@bellsouth.net.

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The International Chiropractors Association is working to assist and support doctors of chiropractic in the stricken areas who have had their practices wiped out in the storm, impacting tens of thousands of people in urgent need of chiropractic care. Dr. David Eugster, ICA’s Assembly Representative in Louisiana, has estimated that 20-25% of Louisiana DCs have had their practice locations put out of service. Donations sent to to ICA go directly to re-establish chiropractic facilities and support the delivery of emergency chiropractic care. Mail your check or money order, made out to ICA -- Katrina Disaster Relief Fund, to:

International Chiropractors Association
Katrina Disaster Relief Fund
1110 North Glebe Rd., Suite 650
Arlington, VA 22201

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Check the World Chiropractic Alliance website (www.worldchiropracticalliance.org) for updated details on additional programs or e-mail the WCA (webmaster@worldchiropracticalliance.org) with information about other efforts.