O&#038;P Humanitarian Database Launched

The Digital Resource Foundation for the O&P Community (DRFOP) announced the launch of the O&P Humanitarian Database , a collaborative project aimed at promoting humanitarian organizations that serve the orthotics and prosthetics profession worldwide. The online database provides detailed information about each organization listed, including regions served, services provided, and financial, material, and volunteer needs.

The O&P Humanitarian Database is the first project launched through the DRFOP, a nonprofit organization established in 2003. "The database is a central resource of current information about worldwide humanitarian efforts in the orthotics and prosthetics community," said Mary Novotny, RN, director of the DRFOP. "It was designed to link organizations, individuals, and agencies providing orthotic and prosthetic care and resources with people worldwide who need assistance. In addition, the database will provide a vehicle for communication and participation to individuals seeking involvement in humanitarian efforts and donors wishing to contribute money, components, supplies, and resources."

The official launch of the database was announced January 15 at the US Member Society of the International Society for Prosthetics & Orthotics (US ISPO) Reaching Beyond Our Borders Conference in Orlando, Florida. Robert Kistenberg, CP, FAAOP, president of US ISPO, sees the humanitarian database as key to the success of ISPOs initiative to unify O&P outreach efforts in the US. "It is time to integrate information about the multiple independent humanitarian efforts worldwide, to eliminate duplication, and to enhance communication so that unmet needs can be identified and addressed," said Kistenberg.

Oandp.com is donating the resources and programming needed to develop and grow the database and is making the information available through its portal website, www.oandp.com . "In nine years of serving the O&P community, we have handled hundreds of requests related to international resources and needs. The O&P Humanitarian Database will serve as a bridge between those seeking to provide humanitarian assistance and those in need," said Paul Prusakowski, CPO, FAAOP, founder and president of oandp.com.

The project originated with Tony Korjagin, CP, who collected much of the initial information as part of his National Commission on Orthotic & Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) residency research project. Garrett Hurley, another NCOPE resident, recently volunteered his assistance to contact agencies.

"The ultimate success of the project rests on the involvement of all groups and individuals engaged in O&P-related humanitarian work," said Novotny. "Each organization submitting information will be included in the database and provided with a password to verify and update its information at any time. If your organization is not yet included, please contact hdb@drfop.org . If you are interested in locating opportunities for involvement or organizations that can offer assistance in specific areas, search the O&P Humanitarian Database by going online to www.drfop.org or www.oandp.com ," she added.

O&P Humanitarian Database Launched

Ohio Willow Wood Hires Denune

BOC Elects 2005 Board Members

BOC Elects 2005 Board Members

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Position Open for a Certified Orthotist

CPO/CO or Board-Eligible

Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO)

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

O&P Humanitarian Database Launched

Support authors and subscribe to content

Subscribe

Related posts:

Ohio Willow Wood Hires Denune

BOC Elects 2005 Board Members

BOC Elects 2005 Board Members

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Position Open for a Certified Orthotist

CPO/CO or Board-Eligible

Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO)

Login to your account

Reset Password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Login to your account

Reset Password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation