Disaster Preparedness

AAOHN, Red Cross Sign MOU with Disaster Relief in Mind

December 11, 2007

The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Inc. and the American Red Cross have renewed their collaborative relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement allows the two organizations to share expertise and recruit nurses nationwide to assist the Red Cross with relief operations during disasters. The pact renews the previous agreement between the two organizations, extending the partnership from one year to another three years.

As part of the MOU, signed by AAOHN Executive Director Ann Cox and Red Cross Senior Vice President of Preparedness and Response Joseph Becker, AAOHN has agreed to:

  • provide occupational and environmental health nursing expertise related to programs, policies, and protocols of Red Cross health services activities;
  • encourage speakers at the local and national level; and
  • recruit occupational and environmental health nurses for the American Red Cross through the association chapters nationwide.

In turn, the Red Cross has agreed to:

  • provide disaster nursing expertise for AAOHN's emergency preparedness/disaster planning programs and activities;
  • promote training and retention of nurses at the local level and through the Disaster Services Human Resources system (AAOHN members must successfully complete the training and all Red Cross volunteer requirements);
  • encourage speakers at the local and national level; and
  • promote manuscript submission to the AAOHN Journal with the intent of enhancing the relationship through co-authored articles.

"Partnering with other agencies and organizations is instrumental in making the Red Cross better equipped to meet the needs of communities adversely affected by disaster," said Becker. "We are pleased with the results of our partnership with AAOHN thus far, and are confident that the next three years will bring continued positive outcomes in disaster relief operations."



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