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Houston’s Healthcare Facilities Close Amidst Hurricane Harvey

Tropical Storm Harvey has flooded a vast area in Texas, taken down homes, ruined vehicles, and sadly, taken lives.  In the midst of the disaster, healthcare facilities were not immune to property damages and have force-closed numerous facilities in the Houston area.

The first of which was West Houston Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center, MD Anderson, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, and at least 25 other facilities remain at the verge of closure.  MD Anderson has not yet evacuated, but they have canceled all appointments and services until later on during the week.

As a result, shelters to home those affected have been set up; and HHS has opened a 250-bed station at the George R. Brown Convention Center.  Nearly 2000 personnel have agreed to take shifts or remain on call if the occasion arises.  This shelter is also providing mental health attention to victims suffering from distress by licensed clinical social worker, Brittany Burch.

Additional medical treatments such as dialysis are of great concern as well.  DaVita’s Chakilla Robinson White has spoken to this concern and reassured patients that there are still facilities open for patients in need of this care to find and attend.  Due to the nature of this treatment, workers from surrounding cities and states have been called in to work in the area.

Additional resources are available!  If you are still in need of shelter, text SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362).  The Texas Tribune has listed a long and detailed list of ways to seek help, offer help, and ways to donate.

Sources:
Becker’s Hospital Review – Houston-area hospitals evacuate 1,500 patients due to flooding
Becker’s Hospital Review – Flooding closes MD Anderson, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land; Ben Taub evacuates
Becker’s Hospital Review – HHS sets up medical shelter in Houston
NPR
New Yorker
Texas Tribune