Media Advisory - Carolinas MED-1 Deploying to Help with Disaster Relief
CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 15, 2018–Atrium Health has been called upon by the state of North Carolina to deploy Carolinas MED-1, a one-of-a-kind mobile hospital unit. MED-1 has been requested in Pender County, North Carolina where there has been wide spread flooding and closure of their local hospital.
Once on location, the team of more than 30, made of emergency room doctors, nurses and other medical staff can be operational within 30 minutes. MED-1 will serve as the only medical facility within a 50 miles radius. The 1,000-square-foot hospital is fully staffed and capable of handling anything from minor injuries to severe emergency medical conditions, including trauma surgery and intensive medical care.
In addition, MED-1 will have a behavioral health peer support specialist from Atrium Health deploying with the team, to help with any emotional support that may be needed, including helping evacuees deal with anxiety, fear, loss or other struggles because of the storm.
This deployment, beginning Sunday, September 16, pending weather conditions in Charlotte and the road conditions, will be Mobile Medicine’s largest deployment since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The mobile hospital is prepared to be on site for a minimum of two weeks and rotate teammates as needed.
MED-1 has been deployed following other natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, North Carolina. The mobile hospital was most recently in Tryon, NC, providing healthcare at the World Equestrian Games. Prior to that deployment, the MED-1 helped with the 2017/2018 flu season by deploying to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
Who: Atrium Health’s Mobile Medicine- MED-1 Mobile Hospital Unit
What: Deploying for Pender County, NC
When: Sunday, September 16 at 11:15 a.m.
Where: Departing from 3311 Beam Road, Charlotte, NC 28217
Media are invited to get pictures and interviews of MED-1’s deployment. You must RSVP by 10 a.m. Sunday, September 16 for parking instructions. Please do not arrive any earlier than 11:15 a.m., as teammates will be finalizing their deployment. Keep in mind deployment time could change, pending local weather.
Atrium Health
Atrium Health, previously Carolinas HealthCare System, one of the nation's leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout the Southeast region. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and well-being of its communities through high-quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.