On June 2, just after the start of the 2009 hurricane season, the Rotary Club of Biloxi handed over the keys to a custom-designed disaster relief travel trailer to the Harrison County Board of Supervisors.

The Mobile Unit for Disaster Relief is the brainchild of Biloxi Rotarian, Dr. Hank Roberts, who has been recognized for his international Rotary service projects, many involving the deployment of mobile dental units in underprivileged parts of Jamaica.

A friend and fellow Rotarian from Colorado contacted Roberts soon after Hurricane Katrina and offered his assistance. He wanted to know what he and other Rotarians could do to help Roberts recover personally.

Instead, Roberts pitched the idea of a mobile unit for disaster relief that could be used in his hometown and regionally.

With the help of Rotary clubs in Biloxi, Colorado and Mexico, as well as a contribution from the Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Roberts was able to secure a matching grant from Rotary International to have the disaster relief trailer custom built. He then worked with an organization called Project C.U.R.E. to outfit the unit with medical equipment and supplies. The intent is that the unit will be used to provide medical care to victims of disasters in the region.

Rotary Club of Biloxi leaders worked with Harrison County Supervisor Windy Swetman to devise a plan to put the mobile unit into service. Even with the unit donated to the county, the Rotary Club of Biloxi will find volunteers to staff it when needed.

The Rotary Club of Biloxi, chartered on Aug. 5, 1921, meets Tuesdays at noon at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House Restaurant.