Heart to Heart International Needs Physician Volunteers

Heart to Heart International Inc., a global humanitarian organization based in Olathe, Kan., is sending a medical response team to North Dakota because of rising floodwaters. The Red River is expected to crest at catastrophic levels this weekend near Fargo, N.D. Thousands of people already have been evacuated, and state officials predict the number of evacuees may rise to 20,000 if the state's levees and dikes fail.

Heart to Heart officials have put out the call for additional medical volunteers and have asked the Academy for assistance. Family physicians who want to volunteer can contact Steve Hower, director of operations at Heart to Heart, at (913) 764-5200, Ext. 273, or via e-mail.

At the request of North Dakota state emergency officials, Heart to Heart is deploying its mobile medical unit and a team of medical volunteers to the region where they will provide medical care at a community shelter. The organization's mobile medical unit is a clinic on wheels that contains three exam areas, portable diagnostic equipment, supplies to address minor wounds, a fully stocked pharmacy and medical technology for patient monitoring.

North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven has issued an executive order proclaiming a flood emergency and has suspended certain statues and administrative rules, including regulations relating to licensing and certification of emergency medical service operators, including physicians.

The governor's order remains effective until April 7.