NRMC serves as local resource for Joplin disaster inquiries

Nevada Regional Medical Center has received numerous phone calls related to the Joplin tornado in the past few days. The callers have been asking about a variety of topics from searches for family and loved ones to volunteer and donation offers. As a result of the influx of phone calls, the hospital has developed a communication and resource list for area residents.

As a member of the Missouri Hospital Mutual Aid Agreement, NRMC is prepared to assist in providing medical staff or supplies to the aid efforts. The hospital has declared a Code Yellow Disaster phase one. This means that all related parties are on high alert and ready to jump into action if needed. But in the wake of the storm, the hospital quickly found it could be of assistance in a number of other ways.

"We are fielding a lot of phone calls related to the disaster. I've had people call looking for loved ones, but most of the calls are from people offering to help. We started researching resources for the callers and decided to compile a list to make their requests easy to answer and easy to share," stated Aimee Meyer, Community Relations Director at NRMC.

Meyer also stressed the importance of volunteers' coordination with emergency organizations. "We're very impressed with the outreach from our community. But driving to Joplin right now is not what is needed and I want to direct the local efforts so they are not adding to the disarray within the city."

NRMC is communicating with the public through many media outlets including their website and Facebook page, local newspaper and radio stations and a community email list. Questions about donations of all kinds, volunteering and other resources are all addressed in the Joplin Disaster Resource List download available on the hospital Web site homepage at www.nrmchealth.com. Check www.facebook.com/nrmchealth for regular updates. Community Blood Center will be on site for a blood drive Thursday, May 26, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the Moore-Few Care Center Community Room at 901 S. Adams St., Nevada. Registrations are encouraged to ensure adequate supplies. Call (417) 448-3609 to register or visit esavealifenow.org.