Northwell sends staff to Texas to help with medical needs

Northwell Health has connected with its counterparts at the Houston–based MD Anderson Cancer Center to offer assistance to match the hospital’s specific needs. Within 24 hours after requesting help from its clinicians, Northwell has enrolled more than 600 employees interested in volunteering. On September 4, the first Northwell team of 40 will be deployed to Houston.

Northwell Health has coordinated emergency response locally – for incidents such as Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene – and nationally through sending teams into affected areas such as New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

“We know the exhaustion factor, the physical and emotional toll these catastrophic events have on patients, caregivers, family members and the public at large,” said Northwell CEO Michael Dowling.

Northwell is sending 120 clinicians in total, deploying teams of 40 (one team per week who will relieve the prior team) over a three-week period. The situation will continue to be monitored and can be adjusted based on need and the fluidity of the situation.