As the devastating impact on Texas from Hurricane-turned-Tropical Storm Harvey continues to play out, THA encourages member hospitals to support the residents and caregivers working around-the-clock to care for victims and keep patients safe in any way possible.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) has been supporting colleagues at the Texas Hospital Association as they work with hospitals and health systems, as well as local and federal agencies, to respond to the ongoing disaster. Historic flooding is expected to continue for days ahead.
Two of Tennessee’s seven coordination centers have been placed on alert by the National Disaster Medical System in case hospital and nursing home patients need to be airlifted from Houston. The two Tennessee centers are in Memphis and Nashville.
In addition, Tennesseans can help relief efforts in a number of ways:
Blood Donations: The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) is urging eligible donors, especially those with type O-positive blood, to make donation appointments as soon as possible. Those interested in donating may contact the following organizations to find a local blood drive and schedule an appointment:
- AABB: www.aabb.org; 301-907-6977
- America’s Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org
- American Red Cross: www.redcrossblood.org; 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
- Armed Services Blood Program: www.militaryblood.dod.mil; 703-681-8024
Texas Hospital Association Assistance Fund: The Texas Hospital Association has established an assistance fund to help hospital employees who experienced significant property loss or damage. Administrative services are being provided in kind, so 100 percent of donations can be used to assist individuals in need. AHA has contributed an initial $50,000 to get the fund started.
- For more information or to make a donation, visit https://www.tha.org/Harvey/ReliefFund. For additional details, visit www.tha.org/harvey.
HCA Healthcare, Nashville, also announced a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross. In addition, HCA will match up to $1 million in employees’ donations to the HCA Hope Fund, the company’s employee assistance nonprofit organization. The company operates 50 hospitals, 27 surgery centers, and many other facilities in Texas. About 14,000 of its 55,000 Texas-based employees live in the Houston and Corpus Christi areas.
For more information, contact Mike Dietrich at THA, 615-401-7459.
