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"Protecting the public and serving our member boards by promoting excellence in chiropractic regulation." |
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Ground Zero through the eyes of Dr. Mary Ellen Rada (NJ)
September 11th brought about changes for the entire world. No one person or group was left untouched. Living so close to the tragedy, many chiropractors from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut (and certainly from other states as well), including myself and other members of the New Jersey Board, came out in droves to assist rescuers working at the WTC disaster. Knowing the enormous tasks of all those involved in the rescue and recovery effort, there was no shortage of people in need of chiropractic care. Everywhere, there were people desiring what we had to offer. For those who were able to contribute their time and talent, there were immeasurable experiences. For example, there were two memorable officers from the NYPD Technical Assistance Rescue Crew (TARC). The TARC uses computers and other special equipment to listen for breath sounds, pick up vibrations and measure changes in the remaining buildings. They were actually lost looking for a particular office when they stumbled upon the chiropractors at the Jacob Javits Convention Center (headquarters for relief efforts). This was about 3 AM. The weather had turned very bad with rain and gusts making the site even more dangerous. They were done for their shift but couldn't go home. Turns out they had worked 320 hours in the last two weeks and had been home only 10 hours. They looked exhausted but eager to be somewhere safe where they could talk a little about their tragedy. They had been trapped for a while in the Tower lobby trying to exit the building and both had lost dear friends and colleagues before their very eyes. They described how incredulous the site was-it was understandable how they couldn't go home and pretend to be normal and then return to the arduous and gruesome tasks facing them all. To say their spines were tense would be absurd-the physical, mental and hugely emotional stress was locked in their spine. Soon, they began to get adjusted and to relax. They commented how they could "finally breathe again". There were other professionals such as massage therapists, and acupuncturists working there as well (Pete and his partner got the "whole nine yards".) They left at almost 5 AM feeling changed yet again. But this time it was in a good way. For the Chiropractic profession, to be able to help these people and countless others, instilled an incredible sense of purpose and pride. The New York Council and ICA were instrumental in helping to organize, get credentialing, and providing cell phones for use between the sites. Since September 11th, there has been a continuous presence of chiropractors at several sites. The New York State Board granted "temporary" licensure under the statute allowing DCs from other states the ability to "practice" at the disaster sites and we extend a thank you to them for their help. We graciously thank everyone who represents our great profession and who served in this tremendous humanitarian cause. |
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