From Portsmouth, Virginia: 'Urgently need two colored physicians wire prospects obtaining same.' From Carey, Kentucky: 'Federal coal mines request immediate aid influenza'. Immediately rush answer.' From Spokane, Washington; 'urgent need of four nurses to take charge other nurses furnished by local Red Cross chapter.' The demands could not be met. Replies went back: 'No colored physicians available.' 'It is almost impossible to send nurses all being needed locally.' 'Call for local volunteers with intelligence and practical experience.' The failure to meet demand was not from lack of trying. Red Cross workers went from house to house searching for anyone with nursing experience. And when they knew of a skilled nurse, the Red Cross tracked her down. Josey Brown was a nurse watching a movie in a St. Louis theater when the lights went on, the screen went blank, and a man appeared onstage announcing that anyone named Josey Brown should go to the ticket booth. There she found a telegram ordering her to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station.
