News Release
September 26, 2005
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials said late tonight that there is an urgent need for more Texas nurses to volunteer to provide care for people in special health needs shelters in East Texas.
Those who can volunteer should call DSHS at 1-800-942-5540. The phone line is staffed after 7 a.m. Nurses also can volunteer online at www.dshs.state.tx.us. After-hours callers will be directed to the Web site.
Some 720 nurses responded to a DSHS request for volunteers issued last Friday, but health officials said flooding and a lack of electricity in several East Texas counties north of Hurricane Rita’s initial strike zone have led to an increased need for health care relief staff.
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( News media: for more information contact Doug McBride, DSHS Press Officer, Austin, 512-458-7524 or 512-532-4971.)