On September 9, 2005, at approximately 7:20 p.m., the state of Rhode Island welcomed 105 evacuees from Louisiana in what was to become a unique mission for the Rhode Island Medical Reserve Corps (RIMRC) and the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team (RI1-DMAT).

The Department of Health requested the assistance in order to provide the initial medical triage to the new residents of the state. After welcoming the evacuees, and performing the initial screening, we (the Rhode Island Medical Reserve Corps and Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team) were asked to set up and staff a medical clinic in the town of Middletown for the follow up and care of the evacuees. The clinic opened on Saturday, September 10, 2005, at 8:00 a.m. and closed its doors the following Friday, September 16, 2005, at 12:00 p.m., It was staffed by volunteer physicians, nurses, EMS personnel and administrative personnel.

The clinic was established in a construction trailer that was facilitated by GMH military housing. The clinic was open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday was open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The day was divided in 2 shifts, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and was staffed by 2 physicians per shift, 4 to 6 nurses and at least 2 prehospital care providers. In addition, the weekend of the 10^th and 11^th of September, New England ambulance provided an ALS Ambulance and a Wheelchair Van.

Although the clinic is no longer in operation, the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team (RI1-DMAT) is currently deployed in the Mississippi/Louisiana states providing medical care and support to the victims of the hurricane Katrina since September 25th. The Rhode Island Medical Reserve Corps (RIMRC) is currently ready for any needs that may occur in the state.