- Winter 2006-

AMA Foundation Offers Grants to Physicians Affected by Natural Disasters

EDITOR'S NOTE: The deadline for applicants was 12/31/05. The AMA is no longer accepting applicaions for the Katrina disaster. See their website for more updated information.

The American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation recently announced that it is offering grants to help physicians rebuild their medical practices in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Grants will be awarded from the AMA Foundation’s newly established Health Care Recovery Fund, an ongoing fund that will also be available to physicians affected by future natural or man-made disasters.

Physicians whose practices were damaged or destroyed in areas declared disaster zones by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are eligible to apply. Applications are available online or by mail through the AMA Foundation, 515 N. State St., 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60610. Physicians need not be AMA members to apply, nor will their AMA membership affect their application status.

The Health Care Recovery Fund was started with a $100,000 grant from the AMA. The AMA Foundation will also accept donations online or by mail to the fund.

“Rebuilding the health care infrastructure after major disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is an immense challenge,” says AMA Chair-Elect Cecil B. Wilson, MD. “These grants will begin to help physicians get back on their feet and provide much-needed care to their patients on the Gulf Coast. This effort also will give physicians and others around the country a chance to donate to an ongoing fund designed to assist their colleagues who are rebuilding their practices in disaster areas.”