Whenever and wherever there’s a disaster, nurses respond with heroism and skill. The skills required in the nursing process – medical and scientific expertise, a level head, and an understanding of the full range of human responses to illness – are the same skills needed in disaster relief.
NYSNA’s disaster relief work began in the days after Hurricane Sandy, when hundreds of nurses rushed into the devastation to help out. We went door-to-door in affected areas to assess medical needs, and get medical attention to people without electricity or running water.
Since then, we have deployed medical missions to the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan; and to Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
We have also responded to man-made disasters, offering medical expertise and humanitarian aid.
Medical Mission Video Highlights
Update on NYRN Medical Missions
Medical Mission to Mexico
Medical Mission to Thailand
Medical Mission to Chipas, Mexico
Medical Mission to Vieques, Puerto Rico
Medical Mission to South Africa
Medical Mission to Dominican Republic
Medical Mission to Brazil
Medical Mission to Mexico
NYSNA's First Solidarity and Medical Mission to India
NYSNA RNs report from Puerto Rico: February, 2018
NYRN Visits the U.S. Virgin Islands
NYSNA RNs Delegation to Puerto Rico: December, 2017
When Sandy Hit, We United with the Community
NYNSA RNs rescued thousands of lives during and after Hurricane Sandy. At facilities including Bellevue, Coney Island, and Coler-Goldwater, we evacuated more than a thousand patients with no lights, no electricity, and no elevators. Not a single patient died, or was left behind. Nurses worked with hard-hit communities in Staten Island, Red Hook, the Rockaways and Long Island, setting up emergency field clinics, and checking in door-to-door to make sure that thousands of New Yorkers with urgent medical issues received care.
NYSNA RNs, Sandy Relief in the Rockaways
NYSNA RNs offer relief in Staten Island following Superstorm Sandy
On volunteering in the Philippines, following Typhoon Haiyan:
“It was tough. I’ve been on missions to the Philippines before, but never in a disaster situation… it humbled me to see so much suffering. I think the experience will help me be more patient. I received thank you letters that made me cry.” - Nella Pineda-Marcon, RN, Mt. Sinai Hospital