On the heels of the tragedies that struck New Orleans and other communities that line the northern Gulf coast following Hurricane Katrina, the National MS Society is lending a hand to those affected by the disease in that region, either directly or indirectly. For one, the storm devastated the society's Louisiana Chapter, both in terms of its physical office location and by leaving staffers without a place to do their jobs. Society chapters in other areas in the region have had limited day-to-day operations since Katrina pounded ashore several weeks ago.

Hotline Connection Established
In an effort to restore critical daily services for the MS community, the National MS Society has established a toll-free hotline, as well as a special website, so that people can access information about their medication services, as well as emergency referral services, and other important messages. The telephone number is 1-800-FIGHT MS (1-800-344-4867), and the website URL is NationalMSSociety.org/hurricane.asp.

"Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by Hurricane Katrina," said Joyce Nelson, president and CEO of the National MS Society. "The Society is working closely with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, FEMA, as well as our pharmaceutical and corporate partners, to help fill the gap whenever and wherever help is needed."

'I Feel Helpless And … Hopeless'
In the days following Katrina, the Society received a communication from Brian Berrigan, president of the Society's Louisiana chapter. Berrigan is currently living in temporary housing in the Baton Rouge area:

"… At times, I feel helpless and almost hopeless. But I have to be positive for the 15 children living in this home. Baton Rouge is overrun with people from New Orleans and the surrounding area. The traffic is a nightmare. The hospitals in New Orleans have been evacuated here. There are the constant sounds of helicopters overhead and the ever-present convoys of emergency vehicles, National Guard, and people with boats rushing to New Orleans. Of course, this is all good, but uneasy, nonetheless. Sleep is not easy these days. Please know that we will rebuild, and this chapter is committed to coming back strong with renewed faith and hope for a cure."

John Martin is a long-time health journalist and an editor for Priority Healthcare. His credits include overseeing health news coverage for the website of Fox Television's The Health Network, and articles for the New York Post and other consumer and trade publications. John is a member of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA).