Courtesy Photo | Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division, local authorities and volunteers unload...... read more read more
Jacqueline M. Hawe
82nd Public Affairs Office
Sep. 19, 2005
NEW ORLEANS -- As the Paratroopers and Soldiers of Task Force All American prepare to go home one of the last steps is turning over the keys to the medical sites they restored or created while supporting hurricane relief efforts here.
Local medical officials will be taking over the makeshift clinics until the local hospitals are in operation once again, said Maj. Ed Box, 313th Military Intelligence Battalion operations officer.
"This allows the civilians in the community to see their own doctors," explained Box.
Although the 82nd Abn. Div. Paratroopers set up and manned the clinics in the beginning, they also had the help of local and national medical professionals.
The main clinics set up in 313th MI Bn.'s area were located at the Arthur Monday Jr. Multi-service Center and outside Algiers Medical Center.
"While we were here, between the two clinics, we saw about 564 people, to include 60 to 80 house calls a day," said Box.
"There were veterans in the area, even a man who served with the 82nd, years ago, who we were able to help," added Sgt. William Epps, a combat medic with 782nd Main Support Bn.
"I was very happy to come here," explained Epps. "As long as I can help, I'm happy. That's my MOS (military occupational specialty), to help people."
Although most people go to the clinics looking for a Tetanus shot, they also offer medical services and prescription refills, Epps said.
He added at both clinics, tetanus shots were the most required immunization.
"Some people who come in looking for a Tetanus shot haven't had one in years," Box said.
Not only is the community receiving medical attention, but also a sense of security.
"A lot of people I've talked to told me this community is the safest it's been in 20 years, with us here," Box said. "They seem to have a positive attitude towards us."
"The looks I get from the people I help are looks of thanks," said Epps.
It took quite a bit of work to get the clinics operating, said Box.
The 313th MI Bn. Paratroopers had to coordinate with the deputy officer of health; as well as structural engineers to ensure the buildings were safe to use; talk to security officials to get inside the buildings; clean inside and out of the buildings; clear away debris left behind by the storm, he added.
With the clinics ready to operate, local and national medical professionals will take control from Task Force All American Paratroopers and Soldiers, while they wait for local hospitals to reopen.
hkat
| Date Taken: | 09.20.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 09.20.2005 17:18 |
| Story ID: | 3067 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 292 |
| Downloads: | 190 |
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