We understand that schedules and responsibilities won't always allow you to be a part of a particular team. By filling out this form, you're telling us "Yes! Contact me whenever you are forming a team. I will check my availability and let you know if I can participate."

If you haven't done so already, I invite you to fill out a form to let us know you're interested in being part of our SEIU Local 121RN Disaster Relief Rapid Response Team.

In 2010, I was part of a group of SEIU Local 121RN nurses who headed to Haiti to provide medical relief after a devastating earthquake. Across the U.S., more than 1,000 SEIU healthcare professionals volunteered to go to Haiti. It was an incredible experience.

I won’t kid you: responding to these disasters isn’t easy. We worked long into the night with limited resources, limited plumbing and limited “creature comforts”—but I can also tell you that it felt amazing to be a part of our team giving care and comfort to those who suffered so much injury, illness and loss.

Recently, we reached out to members who were willing and available to volunteer their assistance after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and other parts of the country. In a short time since then, we've learned of numerous additional disasters, both natural and manmade. And while many are feeling overwhelmed, I know that nurses are often the first to think "How can I help?"

Understandably, requests for our medical skills are urgent and time-sensitive. That's why we will maintain a list of our Registered Nurses who are interested in being a part of an SEIU Local 121RN Disaster Rapid Response Team.

I hope you'll fill out the form today to be ready with the other nurses of SEIU Local 121RN to respond when we learn of opportunities to help.

In unity, Gayle Batiste, RN President, SEIU Local 121RN