(Posted 6-30-00)
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Service Contact:Laurie Gengenbach, 336-334-5371
UNCG NURSING PROFESSOR RECEIVES
AWARD FROM SOUTHEAST REGION OF RED CROSS
GREENSBORO - When disaster strikes the Triad, more nurses will have the specialized training it takes to help a community in crises, thanks to Mary Jo Helfers, clinical assistant professor of nursing at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
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Helfers was responsible for getting a Red Cross Disaster Health Services program under way in the UNCG School of Nursing. In recognition of her effort, the Southeastern Chapter of the American Red Cross recently presented her with its Ann Magnussen Award.
The award, named for a former Red Cross director, is presented annually to one registered nurse in the seven-state region who has made outstanding contributions to Red Cross nursing programs and services. The award also recognizes Helfers for encouraging her students to coordinate blood drives at UNCG. Doing so helps them get the 20 hours of volunteer service they need to fulfill part of the Disaster Health Services requirement. Three extracurricular courses and a registered nurse license complete the requirements.
Since the program began in 1998, 40 students have received the Red Cross training, and seven UNCG graduates have become enrolled Red Cross nurses.
Nurses play an important role in disaster response, said Susan Smith, director of volunteers for the Greensboro Chapter of the American Red Cross.
They are the vital link connecting people to medical services when the
normal channels are disrupted by disaster. Nurses conduct home visits,
help secure prescriptions, man shelters, and make sure other volunteers
stay in good shape.
"The Red Cross could not do its job without nurses," Smith said.
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