Medical Teams Establish Patient Operations through Coordinated Efforts

Logistical Flexibility and Building Community Trust Leads to 300 patient visits a day

Hundreds of people throughout Loudoun and Fairfax County have joined together to donate tens of thousands of dollars worth of supplies, medicine, time and donations to the collaborative effort of The Loudoun Foundation, Loudoun Medical Group (LMG), Seitz Technology, and the Loudoun Community Free Clinic to help Hurricane Katrina survivors.

James Lapsley, CEO of Loudoun Medical Group explains the back-story “From the moment we began the endeavor to when we landed in the Gulf, we knew that we had to build trust and remain vigilant with our vision to help and provide medical treatment to Hurricane Survivors. We expect challenges along with opportunities, and we understand that.”

Tracy Parent, President of Loudoun Foundation, continued, “Lets face it, not only did families lose their homes, but they lost their entire community. It takes time to build the relationships and we had to prove that we did not have another agenda other than helping and treating patients. We were the well-meaning outsiders who became trusted insiders by our actions-not our words.

The 1st medical team was split up and directed from place to place. Before establishing a true medical relief location, their presence was felt and made an impact. Robert Hetzel, MD, of Loudoun Medical Group treated over 80 patients a day and was present to save a man who stopped breathing. Hetzel and his team successfully resuscitated the man and saw other patients that ranged from cuts and scrapes to dehydration. Hetzel remarked, “I was happy to be a part of the solution—from moving supplies to treating patients, it was a remarkable experience.”

As the gulf communities assess the damage, it is clear to the key partners that the medical relief mission must continue. Parent continued, “We have our own litmus test to protect our resources. We list all donations and budgets on our website, www.Virginiacares.org.”

Lapsley and Parent developed a mission statement based on their vision—to make a difference by providing medical relief for Hurricane Katrina Survivors in an independent and transparent light.”

Medical Team Relief Mission Statement

The Loudoun Community including medical professionals, the community, and the community leaders can make a difference by lending a helping hand to Hurricane Katrina Survivors. We shall provide sincere human relief efforts in healthcare, medical supplies and other assistance through self-sufficiency, cutting through red tape and by building relationships with the Gulf communities on their terms. We only serve to act as a liaison to the Gulf communities, with support from our key partners, in a transparent and accountable way to ensure financial support in earnest. 100% of all donations to Virginia Cares shall go to Medical Relief Team efforts. No one is paid for their time.

Below is a list of contributors. Also, check our website for more information.