The chiropractic community has a history of responding in times of crisis. Perhaps it's the compassionate nature of the care you provide, or a reflection of who you are as people. It's probably a wonderful combination of the two.
The chiropractic response to a crisis situation was no more evident than in the days, weeks and months following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Almost immediately, DCs converged on the three disaster sites, providing compassionate care with every ounce of energy they could muster.
Today, a new national crisis is upon us. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children have been displaced from their homes - not just the dwellings they inhabited, but their homes - the family foundation; the place where friends and loved ones can come together and feel safe and whole in this all-too-uncertain world.
The chiropractic community has a history of responding in times of crisis. Perhaps it's the compassionate nature of the care you provide, or a reflection of who you are as people. It's probably a wonderful combination of the two.
The chiropractic response to a crisis situation was no more evident than in the days, weeks and months following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Almost immediately, DCs converged on the three disaster sites, providing compassionate care with every ounce of energy they could muster.
Today, a new national crisis is upon us. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children have been displaced from their homes - not just the dwellings they inhabited, but their homes - the family foundation; the place where friends and loved ones can come together and feel safe and whole in this all-too-uncertain world.
Dynamic Chiropractic offers its sincere condolences to all those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. As we are a publication, finding ways to help beyond giving money, can be challenging. (Our staff was quick to donate money that was matched by our publisher.) Here's what else we've decided to do in this time of crisis:
- Dynamic Chiropractic has created a Web page designed for chiropractors who would like to take in a displaced DC and/or help them find temporary work. If you have a position available, know someone who does, or simply have an extra room in your office (or home), post your message at http://DisplacedChiropractors.Chiroweb.com. While many displaced chiropractors may not have access to the Internet at this time, it is hoped that through word of mouth and other channels (e.g., we will be informing the American Red Cross that these opportunities are available), this Web site will serve its intended purpose.
- Dynamic Chiropractic wants to share your story - your experience with the disaster relief effort, whether as a practitioner displaced by the hurricane or as a DC from a neighboring (or distant) state who provided compassionate care, organized a donation drive, participated on a disaster response team, etc. In the coming months, we will do our best to publish as many stories as possible. For more information, please contact us at 714-230-3150 or editorial@mpamedia.com.
As of press time, state and national chiropractic organizations are already responding to the crisis. In Mississippi, the Mississippi Chiropractic Association has created a donation fund to help doctors of chiropractic and their families to restore damaged homes and clinics. Checks (payable to "MS Chiropractic Relief Fund") can be mailed to:
MS Chiropractic Relief Fund
ATTN: Vickie Webb
134 Marion Avenue
McComb, MS 39648
Mississippi DCs in need of assistance are advised to contact Ms. Webb at
vickie_m_webb@bellsouth.net.
A similar fund has been established by the Chiropractic Association of Louisiana to assist Louisiana doctors of chiropractic who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. To become part of this effort, checks (payable to "CAL Relief Fund") can be mailed to:
CAL Relief Fund
3070 Teddy Drive, Suite A
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
All donors will receive an acknowledgement letter and receipt for IRS purposes.
The CAL also has established a Web site that includes information on how to obtain (or offer) housing, job opportunities, and how to check on the status of a Louisiana DC. Moreover, the association has petitioned the Louisiana Board of Examiners to forgive 2005 continuing education requirements for the displaced doctors.
For more information, visit www.cal-online.org or send an e-mail to Kathy Chittom at kachittom@aol.com.
In addition, both the American Chiropractic Association and the International Chiropractors Association have established resource Web sites in order to assist doctors of chiropractic, their families, and others affected by the hurricane, and to help coordinate relief efforts:
ACA Hurricane Katrina Action Center
(www.amerchiro.org/Katrina/index.shtml)
ICA Crisis Response Center
(www.chiropractic.org/index.php?p=news/crisis_response)
The victims of Hurricane Katrina will need assistance beyond the immediate days and weeks ahead. They will need help and hope for months to come, and the chiropractic community - practitioners, publications, associations and other organizations - has the opportunity to come together and provide some sense of peace, comfort and stability to those affected by this horrible disaster. Whether you offer your chiropractic expertise, your money, a job offer or even a room in your home, the difference you make will positively impact someone's life, and your own.
