Hospital employees in Mississippi suffered devastating losses during Hurricane Katrina. Some lost everything - yet they continued caring for their patients and neighbors.

Now it's our turn to help them.

This site was created by the Mississippi Hospital Association as a statewide employee assistance resource for health care professionals. Resources are also available here for health care workers looking for information on patient assistance with health care needs.

"KEEP IT WITH YOU": PERSONAL MEDICAL INFORMATION

For patients: In an emergency situation, people may not be able to get to their medical records. The “Keep It With You” (KIWY) Personal Medical Information Form is intended to be a voluntary and temporary record that lists medical care and other health information for people who need care during disasters and similar situations. It is important for health care workers to have a simple and reliable way to learn information about past and new health concerns for people receiving help. After completion, the form should be folded and placed in a plastic bag for safekeeping.

For health care workers: The KIWY form is not intended to replace hardcopy or electronic medical records, but is an interim communication tool to assist individuals as they navigate a potentially complex system of temporary support, housing and clinical services. Clinicians are encouraged to adapt format and content as necessary to best serve the specific situation, population and clinical care needs. The form provided is intended to serve as a basic tool, providing a framework for more specific refinement.

It is suggested that care providers photocopy the document after an individual receives care, in order to maintain a record of who was seen and what treatment was provided. The original form is intended to remain with the individual during the time they are displaced. The form can serve as an interim summary when normal care can be resumed.