"Unrealistic" to share North American antiviral supply.

with medical and relief supplies, Red Cross volunteers, and a search-and-rescue team including emergency physicians to help Americans on the Gulf Coast who were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane struck Aug. 29, levelling huge swaths of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, and forcing the evacuation of New Orleans. US officials declared a national public health emergency and President George Bush’s administration was criticized for a faltering relief effort that left thousands stranded for days. Canada began helping within the week. “Neighbours helping neighbours applies every bit as much outside of our borders,” said Prime Minister Paul Martin as he praised US relief efforts. The Public Health Agency of Canada sent blankets, gloves, gowns, batteries, needles, surgical dressings, bandages, tongue depressors and other supplies from its emergency stockpile. Three naval ships and one Coast Guard vessel, 3 Sea King helicopters and about 1000 sailors set sail from Halifax on Sept. 6. Quebec supplied cots to the American Red Cross for evacuated refugees. Vancouver’s Urban Research and Rescue team, including Dr. Mike Flesher who helped with medical triage, rescued 119 people stranded in St. Bernard Parish, La. The Canadian Red Cross, which is sending more than 100 volunteers, is accepting donations for Katrina relief efforts at www.redcross.ca or 800 4181111. — Laura Eggertson, CMAJ Canadians respond to Katrina’s devastation NATURAL DISASTER