Group discusses how to respond
By Azra Baig, Special Writer
The South Brunswick Volunteer Nurse Corps (SBVNC) held a meeting Thursday at the South Brunswick Municipal Center to review its general policies and operating procedures, involving a nurse’s responsibility, in a public health emergency and the opening of an emergency shelter.
SBVNC is an organization comprised of registered nurses, of all professional levels, established to serve our community by supporting the South Brunswick Township Health Department.
The goals of the organization are to assist the Health Department with health education, health screening, outreach activity, and clinic services.
In addition, it provides training opportunities and networking for professional information sharing to prepare nurses for response in the event of a community emergency, according to the agency.
Nancy MacKay, Public Health Nurse Administrator, encouraged all Volunteer Nurse Corp members to attend Thursday night’s meeting.
"It is important that you are familiar with our responsibilities before we are called into action," she said. "With hurricane season already upon us I want to be prepared."
Several of the nurses present at Thursday night’s meeting participated in volunteering at the emergency shelter that was set up at the South Brunswick Township Senior Center during Hurricane Sandy.
Their experience and input with South Brunswick Emergency Management Coordinator, Chief of Police, Raymond J. Hayducka, and his staff, have allowed for improved preparation to operate the shelter, according to the group.
Forms used for intake and assessment of individuals entering the shelter as well as additional forms used for documentation of ongoing shelter activities were discussed and revised at the meeting.
In addition, discussion with the volunteer nurses of an impending emergency, reviewing the map layout of the Senior Center (to be used for an emergency shelter) and examining the contents of the emergency shelter supply pack were also reviewed.
Deputy Chief of Police Kevin Hughes, who is also the deputy OEM coordinator, attended the meeting and provided additional information regarding SBVNC’s involvement with the emergency shelter.
Agency officials said the Office of Emergency Management and the South Brunswick Health Department will continue to work closely with SBVNC so it is better prepared to serve the South Brunswick Community in providing a safe and healthy environment, especially with the operation of our emergency shelter.
For information or volunteering with the South Brunswick Volunteer Nurse Corp contact Nancy MacKay, Public Health Nurse Administrator at 732-329-4000 extension 7258 or [email protected].

