When AJN published my letter (Letters, December 2004) in response to "American Red Cross Nursing: Essential to Disaster Relief," (In Our Community, August 2004) important information was omitted. In our chapter of the Red Cross Disaster Nurse Team, all disaster services volunteers (other than those who volunteer spontaneously during a major disaster) are required to take the Introduction to Disaster Services course. In addition, all volunteers must complete Disaster Health Services: An Overview (3.5 hours) and Disaster Health Services Simulation (6.5 hours).

Muriel S. Olson, BS, RN

St. Paul, MN