Briefing MemorandumTo: Anita Franzione, Internship Coordinator

From: Lester Julian McRae, Intern, The American Red Cross – North Jersey Region

Subject: Summary of Internship Activities from February 6, 2015 to February 26, 2015

Date: February 27, 2015

Summary:This memo summarizes the internship activities from February 6, 2015 to February 26, 2015 for Lester Julian McRae, who requests durable medical equipment donations from hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Lester Julian McRae updates the healthcare organization contact list with each facility throughout the 12 counties in North Jersey and sends welcome letters to healthcare administrators. In total, Lester Julian McRae has spent 48 hours completing these tasks. He devoted 12 hours updating the healthcare organization, 6 hours sending welcome letters, and 30 hours requesting durable medical equipment donations.

Major Work Tasks & Accomplishments:The major task during this period was calling each healthcare facility in the 12 counties in North Jersey and requesting durable medical equipment. Another task included updating the healthcare facility list with the status, address, and contact information of each healthcare organization in North Jersey. Another goal of the internship is to contact and form a partnership with the First Aid Council.

Supervision & Staff Interaction:Michael Prasad, intern supervisor, interacts with Lester once a week for an hour, but is easily accessible by phone and email. Lester emails Michael a few times a week with the current status of the healthcare facility list. Lester asks Michael for advice on whom to contact within each organization. Michael advised Lester to contact administrators in assisted living facilities/nursing homes and to contact community outreach in hospitals. Lester has not been successful with receiving durable medical equipment from these facilities so far. Most administrators have explained to Lester that they do not donate any equipment. Other administrators have said that they donate equipment periodically but do not have any equipment at the moment. Michael has also advised Lester to contact the first aid council. Lester has contacted two of the Executive Vice Presidents and is awaiting a response.

Relevance to Public Health Theory:Primary durable medical equipment includes wheelchairs, crutches, 4-prong canes, and shower chairs. Secondary durable medical equipment includes privacy screens, independent toilet seats, hoyer lifts, and refrigerators. During a disaster, many people have no choice but to leave home and stay in a shelter. The American Red Cross has the responsibility of supplying these shelters with the necessary medical equipment to accommodate a large amount of people until federal assistance is needed. The American Red Cross has plans in place to acquire the necessary equipment, store the equipment with the rest of the inventory, and distribute the equipment to shelters in North Jersey.

Major Successes & Challenges:This work period was successful because the healthcare facility list was updated with important information for each facility. A major challenge for Lester is finding the healthcare facilities that donate usable equipment and currently have equipment that administrators want to donate. However, there is still over 100 facilities left to contact.