03/27/2020
March 26, 2020
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Lynn Compton District Four Supervisor
A Plea for Help to the Veterinary Community
Hello Colleagues,
Kim and I are working in conjunction with County of San Luis Obispo and Supervisor Lynn Compton’s office in a joint effort to recruit veterinary medical professionals, veterinary technicians, and other medical personnel from our own community to assist with the expected COVID-19 surge.
While the County hopes for a manageable surge in patients with the COVID-19 virus, San Luis Obispo County will prepare for the worst. At this time the County has secured an alternate facility site on the Cal Poly campus to hold between 400-700 individuals. This site would be a “step down” site for those who are released from the hospital, but still need medical monitoring.
Our profession has always stepped up to the plate when there has been a disaster, and we are hoping the citizens of this county can count on us to help. The County is also reaching out to other medical professionals such as retired physicians, dentists, respiratory therapists and other related professions.
We are hoping we can count on many of those in our profession. In order to help, please go to ReadySLO.org and click on the tab “Alert: we need qualified volunteer and medical professionals, learn how you can help.” You will be asked to walk through the questionnaire to put your name and contact information on the list.
Here are the steps, as outlined on the website:
1. Complete a profile on the California Disaster Healthcare Volunteers site.
Note: Make sure to choose "San Luis Obispo County Medical Reserve Corps" as your
Unit Affiliation
2. Contact the MRC Coordinator at [email protected] and let them know that you applied.
Visit the SLO County Public Health page on Medical Reserve Corps for more details.
County of San Luis Obispo Government Center
1055 Monterey Street | San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 | (P) 805-781-4337 | (F) 805-781-1350 [email protected] | slocounty.ca.gov
3. Complete a background check
Once you have registered on the California Disaster Healthcare Volunteers page and contacted the MRC Coordinator at [email protected], they will provide you with paperwork to authorize SLO County to run a complete criminal and s*x offender background check on you.
4. Final Paperwork, ID and Oath
Upon completion of your background check, the MRC Coordinator will contact you to schedule an appointment for you to complete orientation.
The Orientation Process includes: Signing a MRC Code of Conduct form, a HIPPA form, taking a photo and receiving a photo ID badge and take the Disaster Services Worker Volunteer Oath.
It is as simple as that and we could really use your help, and the help of any of your staff, around your schedule, of course.
Additionally, if you have any personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, or gowns you could donate, please let us know that too.
Thank you again for helping your community prepare for what is to come.
Respectfully,
Kimberly Berg, DVM, Five Cities Veterinary Hospital
Gerrit Berg, DVM, Five Cities Veterinary Hospital
Jeff Hall, DVM, President of Mid-Coast Veterinary Medical Association
Lynn Compton, Supervisor, San Luis Obispo Co., District 4