The News-Bulletin: How can you help?

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

How can you help?

The American Red Cross in Albuquerque requests that citizens give monetary donations at this time to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina in lieu of donations of clothing, food and water, which are overwhelming the facilities being used for storage. Checks can be made out to the American Red Cross and can be mailed to the Mid Rio Grande Chapter of the American Red Cross at 142 Monroe NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87108. For more information, call 265-8514.

The City of Belen's municipal government, fire department and emergency management office have developed a plan to let Belen City Hall serve as a center for information regarding ways to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

For information about help organizations and City of Belen relief efforts, contact Mildred Gonzalez at Belen City Hall, 864-8221.

Due to an overwhelming response to needs of hurricane victims, state emergency management officials are suggesting that citizens limit themselves to monetary donations at this time. Monetary donations only can be dropped off at Belen City Hall. Checks made out to the relief organization of your choice can be dropped off at the Water Department in city hall.

There are several community fundraisers being planned, and more information will be provided in the near future.

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department is also collecting baby supplies at CYFD offices around the state.

The Animal Protection of New Mexico organization is seeking temporary foster homes for the pets of families who have been evacuated to New Mexico after Hurricane Katrina. Shelters cannot always accommodate the animals with their owners. There are also many animals that will need permanent homes. For information, contact Viki Elkey at 896-7761.

The New Mexico Department of Health is seeking health professionals who are willing to volunteer to help hurricane victims. Volunteer health professionals are asked to register with the Department of Health and await assignment to areas most in need of their support. Do not self-deploy or make plans to travel alone. Health care providers will be needed in areas most affected by the disaster, but will also be needed in areas where survivors are transported. Respiratory therapists, emergency physicians, internal medicine physicians, registered nurses and emergency medical technicians are needed. Professional who are willing to help should fax a short biography of their professional history to 827-1938 or 476-7810. Information should included specialty, area of practice, name, address, phone number, email address, New Mexico professional license number and expiration date and current employer.

For more information, call 476-7701.

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