Massive Response to Terrorist Attacks. (Short Takes News At Deadline).

A stunned nation responded to the September 11th tragedies with an unprecedented outpouring of compassion for those impacted by the attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Health care was on the forefront, ministering to those in need in the immediate aftermath of the disasters and looking for ways to provide more long-term assistance to those affected.

A couple acts of kindness serve as a reminders of the wide variety of ways to help. Facing such unparalleled needs, but lacking the means to personally meet them, many organizations and individuals reached deep into their pockets and made generous contributions to agencies that could provide assistance.

The nation's 44 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies and the Chicago-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association announced a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross. This aid will assist families of the victims, including those from Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield whose New York City headquarters in the World Trade Center was destroyed in the attack.

Working to address a much different set of needs, the St. Paul Companies is offering a coverage "deferment" for health care professionals with medical liability coverage who are called to active full-time duty in the military reserves.

The deferment extends an individual's coverage for a period equal to the time spent in military service. No premium payments for policy renewals will be required when the policyholder is mobilized for military service.

In the wake of the attacks, their destructiveness is almost incomprehensible. But watching the dedication and compassion of ordinary Americans and hearing the expressions of concern that have come from around the world is tremendously heartening.

It is at such a time that many of us are reminded that we entered the health care profession so we could minister to the needs of others. All too soon, the concerns of budget and market share will reemerge and grab our attention. But when they do, let's not extinguish the fires of compassion and concern ignited by these tragic events.