In the event of a large-scale public health emergency, the need for surge capacity of health and medical systems would be critical. This new program will allow public health officials to register health professionals, apply emergency credentialing standards, and allow for the verification of the identity, credentials and qualifications of prospective volunteers.
Since 2003, the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program has grown rapidly across the U.S. Sponsored by the Office of the Surgeon General, MRC programs have been developed to supplement existing local public health and emergency preparedness initiatives. In Kentucky, 117 of 120 counties are now covered by a registered MRC, with most units sponsored by local health departments in conjunction with local emergency management agencies.
The new K HELPS program was designed to complement existing local MRC programs. Because state K HELPS and local MRC units will work together, the programs will require reduced manpower to coordinate. A volunteer can register with K HELPS online and choose the local MRC unit associated with the volunteer’s geographical area. The K HELPS system will verify credentials of the volunteer and notify the local health department to complete the approval process. It will be the responsibility of the local MRC unit to provide an orientation, offer training, and issue an identification badge for the volunteer. The K HELPS system has the ability to alert volunteers by either email, telephone call, or both. Local MRC units will also have administrative rights to alert and activate volunteers when needed.
During Hurricane Katrina, approximately 1,400 health and medical professionals registered with DPH. Each of these volunteers will be contacted and asked to register in the K HELPS system. There currently are approximately 1,800 volunteers registered in Kentucky’s MRC program. Each of these individuals will also be asked to register in the new system. The program will be promoted through a variety of methods including professional newsletters and associations.
To meet surge capacity needs, a variety of volunteers would be needed. Current emphasis is being placed on having physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, radiological technologists, respiratory therapists, and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians registered, credentialed, and trained. To help meet behavioral health surge capacity needs, K HELPS is partnering with the Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board (KCCRB) to allow psychologists, counselors, and therapists to become involved.
Volunteers in the new K HELPS system will be required to receive training in incident management, with additional voluntary trainings to be offered to volunteers either online or in person. Volunteers will also be afforded the opportunity to participate in regional disaster drills and exercises. By spring 2008, Kentucky’s goal is to have 2,000 volunteers that are credentialed, trained, and ready to respond to any public health emergency or disaster.
An informative brochure on K HELPS is now available.
Frequently Asked Questions concerrning K HELPS
MRC/ K HELPS Training Matrix
Click here to view a map and listing of current MRC units in Kentucky.
To register or obtain more information, click here.
For more information on the K HELPS program, contact
Rebecca Gillis at (606) 478-5455.
The Special Needs Registry is a free program developed by state officials in Kentucky as a means of identifying individuals with special needs in advance of a disaster or emegency in order to provide necessary assistance.
The registry allows individuals that may require assistance to voluntarily register in the program. In the event of an emergency or disaster, the registry will provide emergency responders with important information about an individual's specific needs to provide an effective response.
Information in the database is maintained by local responders and will not be disclosed to the general public. Anyone who anticipates needing additional assistance during an emergency or disaster can register. This may include, but is not limited to, individuals who:
- have a physical disability (blind, deaf/hard-of-hearing, mobility limitations).
- have a developmental disability.
- have a mental disability.
- have a chronic medical condition.
- have service animals.
- are older individuals with medical needs.
Long-term care residents should not register with this system. Each long-term care facility in Kentucky has an emergency response plan and assistance will be coordinated at the facility level.
Click here for the terms and conditions of the special needs registry program.
Currently the registry is being piloted only in the Lincoln Trail District Health Department area. For more information, contact Fred Singleton at the Lincoln Trail District Health Department at (270) 769-1601.