March 6, 2006 - A recent message from Kelly M. Mayo, MS, Project Director, FMQAI: The Florida ESRD Network, (kmayo@nw7.esrd.net):

National Disaster Coalition - Preparedness & Response for the ESRD Community

To improve disaster preparedness and response in the renal community, FMQAI: The Florida ESRD Network (NW7) led the effort by CMS to develop a National Disaster Coalition -- Preparedness & Response for the Renal Community. The initial meeting of this Coalition, called the Disaster Summit, was held in Washington, DC on January 19, 2006.

Eighty individuals, from more than thirty organizations, worked diligently and passionately to create the foundation for the National Disaster Coalition, including a comprehensive national response mechanism. The final report from the Disaster Summit has been completed and is attached for your information. It outlines the objectives, strategies and goals developed during the 5-hour meeting. Additionally, the report provides contact information for each Response Team. I encourage all of you to consider active participation in one or more of these workgroups.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to providing quality care and access to treatment for our ESRD population, especially during times of emergency. I look forward to working with you in the future.

The 30-page report is available in pdf format.

March 5, 2006 - In January, members of the Florida Senate Committee on Domestic Security traveled through parts of South Florida and heard from irate residents who couldn't find open dialysis centers or couldn't get food to an elderly relative because of the lack of power. Article from PalmBeachPost.com.