C.A.R.E.S.

(Carolinas Amateur Radio Emergency System)

CARES Mission Statement:
"CARES is a dedicated emergency communications system operated jointly by volunteer licensed amateur radio operators and CCHA member hospitals to address public health communication needs in times of crisis."

CARES Background & Information
In 2002, CCHA’s Board of Director’s unanimously agreed to partner with our region’s ham operator community to provide cost effective regional back-up emergency communications during natural or manmade disasters. CARES will depend on licensed volunteer radio operators, using a combination of voice and data systems, to transmit vital information regarding regional health care needs. Issues involving hospital capacity, damage assessment, staffing, and availability of needed supplies can be coordinated between hospitals when other means of communication are not functioning.

The CARES project is the third hospital emergency ham radio initiative undertaken in the United States. This public service project has and will serve as a prototype for other health-based emergency communications systems around the country.

If you would like to learn more about CARES or if you are interested in becoming a CARES volunteer, please contact Michael Smith of CCHA at 910-332-8014 or msmith@coastalalliance.org.