To all of those affected by Hurricane Harvey, Amerigroup offers a 24/7 Disaster Relief Help Line 1-866-417-7107. It is FREE and open to all Texans!
ATTN Disability Community: In addition to the
#Harvey Wheelchair & Supply Donation Drive in Houston, Camp Craig Allen in North Texas is collecting specific items for donation at a drop off location that you can also ship items to.
Here are the specific items being collected that must be in EXCELLENT condition:
-MANUAL wheelchairs
-Wheelchair Cushions
-Hoyer Lifts/slings
-walkers/rollators
Unopened (new in package):
-trach supplies
-respiratory tubing
-catheters
-adult diapers
-wipes
-blue chuck pads
Items will start being sent to Houston this weekend.
Stonebriar Community Church
4801 Legendary Dr
Frisco, TX 75034
In person donation drop off times Sept 1-16
Mondays and Fridays 9am-12pm
Wednesday’s 4pm-7pm
Saturdays 9am-1pm
Drop off location at portico on Legendary Dr. side of building.
Ship to the address below by Sept 14th. :
Stonebriar Community Church
c/o HOPE for Harvey
4801 Legendary Dr
Frisco, TX 75034
Contact:
(469) 252-5358
Darlah@stonebriar.org or dawn@campcraigallen.org
Monetary donations can be made at Portlight.org
HHS establishing medical shelter to aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey
Thousands of Texans sheltering at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston will have medical care on-site through a 250-bed Federal Medical Station established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at the request of the State Department of Health. The Federal Medical Station is scheduled to be operational Wednesday.
HHS also is helping evacuate hospital patients to healthcare facilities outside the impacted area.
“We are committed to supporting state and local agencies in meeting the healthcare needs emerging from this devastating storm,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price, M.D. “The Federal Medical Station we are setting up and staffing in Houston will provide vital care to Texans affected by Hurricane Harvey, and we stand ready to devote additional resources as needed.”
The Federal Medical Station at the convention center will be staffed by members of HHS’ National Disaster Medical System and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
HHS has additional Federal Medical Stations available for patient care in Texas, and has positioned two 250-bed Federal Medical Stations in Baton Rouge ready to be deployed in Louisiana should state officials determine they are needed.
HHS has more than 500 personnel on the ground to assist those affected by Hurricane Harvey and 1,300 more on standby.
HHS also has helped local public health officials address the needs of those who rely upon electricity-dependent medical equipment. Using its emPOWER tool, HHS has provided information to local public health officials about the number of Medicare beneficiaries in each impacted area who rely on 14 types of life-maintaining and assistive equipment, ranging from oxygen concentrators to electric wheelchairs, as well as data on the number of people who rely on dialysis, oxygen, and home health services. These citizens are among the most vulnerable in their communities and most likely to need life-saving assistance in prolonged power outages.
HHS has activated its Disaster Distress Helpline, a toll-free call center, that is available at 1-800-985-5990 to aid people in coping with the behavioral health effects of the storm and help people in impacted areas connect with local behavioral health professionals.
In addition to full-scale coordination across the federal Cabinet agencies, HHS remains in regular contact with Texas and Louisiana health officials to maintain awareness of the local situation and stands ready to augment support to the states as the situation unfolds.
Critical updates will also be available at:
Secretary Tom Price, M.D. – @SecPriceMD exit disclaimer icon
HHS – @HHSgov exit disclaimer icon
ASPR – @PHEgov exit disclaimer icon
CDC – @CDCgov exit disclaimer icon
HHS’ NDMS consists of approximately 5,000 medical, public health, and emergency management professionals from communities nationwide and serve as Federal government employees when activated as part of a coordinated federal response.
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s greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs.
Secretary Price signing declaration.
“As Louisiana and Texas contend with the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, HHS is committed to doing all that we can to ensure that those affected by this storm receive the vital assistance and support they need,” said Secretary Price. “The people of Louisiana who rely on Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP for their healthcare needs can be confident that this declaration will allow their care to continue despite the toll this disaster has taken in their communities.”
Many CMS beneficiaries have evacuated to neighboring communities where receiving hospitals and nursing homes may have no health care records, information on current health status or even verification of the person’s status as a Medicare beneficiary. Due to the emergency declaration and other actions taken by HHS, CMS is able to waive certain documentation requirements to help ensure facilities can deliver care.
In addition to increasing the flexibility in providing assistance for CMS beneficiaries, HHS has deployed approximately 550 personnel to affected areas to help state and local authorities respond to communities’ medical needs, and additional staff is on standby to assist.
Today’s declaration of a public health emergency for Louisiana follows a similar emergency declaration for Texas that Secretary Price signed on Saturday to help residents affected by Hurricane Harvey. Secretary Price acted under his authority in the Public Health Service Act and Social Security Act.
These actions and flexibilities are effective retroactively to August 27, 2017.
Public health and safety information for Hurricane Harvey can be found at https://www.phe.gov/emergen…/…/harvey2017/Pages/default.aspx
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HHS continues support in Texas and Louisiana in response to Hurricane Harvey
As torrential rainfall continues to pour on the Gulf Coast, the Department of Health and Human Services is providing support as local officials are continuing to assess communities’ health care infrastructure and medical needs. A list of the latest HHS actions is below:
An EMS contract managed by HHS has been utilized to evacuate 182 patients via 70 ambulances from three hospitals in Victoria, Texas.
HHS has deployed an additional 53,000 pounds of medical equipment and supplies to support the medical needs of those impacted in affected areas.
HHS has activated the AABB Blood Disaster Task Force for Hurricane Harvey in order to evaluate the need for nation-wide blood donations to replenish cancelled blood drives in the impacted area.
As announced earlier, HHS also has more than 500 personnel on the ground and 1,000 more on alert, and HHS Secretary Tom Price, M.D. has declared a public health emergency.
The Disaster Distress Helpline, a toll-free call center operated by SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, continues to be available at 1-800-985-5990, to aid people in coping with the behavioral health effects of the storm and help people in impacted areas connect with local behavioral health professionals.
In addition to full-scale coordination across the federal Cabinet agencies, HHS remains in regular contact with Texas and Louisiana health officials to maintain awareness of the local situation and to coordinate efforts to assist their rescue and recovery work as the situation unfolds.
Information on health safety tips during and after the hurricane will be provided by the Office of the Assistance Secretary for Preparedness and Response and will be available at www.phe.gov/harvey.
Those interested in donating blood may contact the following organizations to find a local blood drive and to schedule an appointment:
AABB: www.aabb.org exit disclaimer icon; +1.301.907.6977
America’s Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org exit disclaimer icon
American Red Cross: www.redcrossblood.org exit disclaimer icon; +1.800.RED CROSS (+1.800.733.2767)
Armed Services Blood Program: www.militaryblood.dod.mil exit disclaimer icon; +1.703.681.8024
Critical updates will also be available at:
ASPR – @PHEgov exit disclaimer icon
HHS – @HHSgov exit disclaimer icon
CDC – @CDCgov exit disclaimer icon
Secretary Tom Price, M.D. – @SecPriceMD exit :
Update: Responding to Hurricane Harvey and Catastrophic Flooding
From our colleague Paul Timmons and Portlight in support of the victims of Hurricane Harvey
Greetings, Friends:
Hurricane Harvey has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but has stalled over the Metro Houston area, bringing as much as 23 inches of rain in the 24 hour period between early evening Saturday and early Sunday evening.
Additionally, prolonged heavy rain is forecasted over the flooded areas and will persist into mid-week. It is likely some areas will see 10-20 more inches of rain, with some spots getting as much as 50″. It is also possible that Harvey may have a second landfall. The National Weather Service tweeted that “This event is unprecedented & all impacts are unknown & beyond anything experienced.”
The flooding has already left thousands of people stranded in their waterfilled homes with many still waiting for water rescue as the water continues to rise.
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies Hurricane Harvey Disability Hotline (800) 626-4959 has received over 100 urgent requests for assistance for people with disabilities and older adults. We’re working with TX government, FEMA and disability organizations from across the country to address the lifesaving needs of callers. We are rallying stakeholders by working together to help get people to safety, provide for any immediate needs they may have for disability related accommodations, durable medical equipment and other assistive technology, responding to evacuation and sheltering issues and problem-solving for a variety of immediate disability accessibility issues.
Portlight Strategies and the Partnership are providing technical assistance and guidance to prevent disaster survivors from being turned away from shelters, denied sign language interpreters, denied their civil rights, inappropriate institutionalization and experiencing many of the same issues as in past disasters.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!! We hope you’ll consider supporting Portlight and the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies Hurricane Harvey Disability Hotline. Please share this email with friends and family who may also want to help.
The days ahead will require a tremendous effort to support children and adults with disabilities to maintain their health and independence. Portlight has been leading disability inclusive disaster response and recovery initiatives for many years and we are more capable than ever before.
Nothing we do is possible without you, and as always, we’re eternally grateful for your continued support!!!
Please click below to go to the Portlight webpage and make a donation:
Thanks for your support,
Portlight Strategies
From the Louisiana Cajun Navy
If you or someone you know are in need of rescue, please download the Zello app, type in Texas search and rescue, and then search for any search and rescue close to your vicinity. This will connect you with officials on the ground there that can navigate help your way. PLEASE SHARE!
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In response to the devastating floods in Texas, Amerigroup Texas along with the Amerigroup Foundation have launched several support efforts to help its members, residents and communities across the state who have been impacted by recent events. Amerigroup is working with disaster relief partners to assist impacted residents and first responders. The health plan has also revised pharmacy and health care guidelines to make it easier for its Amerigroup Medicaid, Medicare, and Medicare-Medicaid Plan members to access needed services and supports during this traumatic time.
Our thoughts are w/our friends & neighbors impacted by devastating floods & R providing support for impacted #TexansTweet this
The Amerigroup Foundation has also partnered with the American Red Cross, as a $1 million-level member of our Annual Disaster Giving Program, to support impacted residents. Local Red Cross personnel and shelters will be providing meals, relief supplies, support, and other assistance to thousands of Texans and first responders statewide. Red Cross health workers are also helping impacted Texans replace needed items such as prescription medications and eyeglasses, while mental health workers are offering counseling and support to those who are struggling to cope with the disaster.The Amerigroup Foundation has also pledged to match all of its associate donations to its employee assistance fund and the American Red Cross at 100 percent through September 30.“Our contributions enable the Red Cross to respond immediately, meeting the needs of individuals and families affected by disaster anywhere in Texas and across the country. We want to thank the American Red Cross of Greater Houston and Portlight Strategies Inc. for helping our fellow Texans during this critical time,” said Tisch Scott, Amerigroup Texas president. “While our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our members, we remain committed to providing the programs and services needed for families and the community at large.”Adjusting medical and pharmacy benefits is critical and just one of the ways we are helping Amerigroup Medicaid, Medicare, and Medicare-Medicaid Plan members in impacted areas access needed medical care and prescription drugs:
- Affected members can see both in-network and out-of-network physicians and service providers to access needed care and services.
- In-network pharmacies will allow impacted members to request refills of approved medication if medication has been lost or damaged in the flood.
- Members can request replacements for medical equipment and supplies that have been damaged or lost in the floods.
Additionally, through a $25,000 grant, the Amerigroup Foundation has engaged partner organization, Portlight Strategies Inc.’s efforts, an information hub and on the ground responders during and after natural disasters for people with disabilities and older Americans. Amerigroup Texas will also be donating and transporting portable USB solar chargers and power banks to the greater Houston area in an effort to ensure that individuals impacted by flooding can access assistance via their mobile phones.These changes will be in place until further assessment of upcoming disaster declarations by Governor Greg Abbott, and apply only to residents of flood-impacted areas. For updates and information about impacted areas, visit: https://gov.texas.gov/news/category/press-releaseAdditionally, Amerigroup’s customer service representatives are actively taking calls from members who need help accessing services, understanding benefits, replacing ID cards and more. Members can call the following numbers for assistance:
- Amerigroup Medicaid customer service at 1-800-600-4441 (TTY: 711)
- Amerigroup members in need of behavioral health support can call 1-800- 600-4441
- Amerigroup Medicare at 1-888-873-0131 (TTY: 711)
- Amerigroup Medicare-Medicaid Plan at 855-878-1784 (TTY: 711)
- Amerigroup’s 24-hour nurse help line, seven days a week, at 1-866-864-2544 (TTY: 711)
For more information about Amerigroup Texas services, benefits and contacts, visit www.myamerigroup.com/TX for Medicaid and www.myamerigroup.com/medicare for Medicare.ABOUT AMERIGROUP TEXASAmerigroup Texas helps improve health care access and quality for approximately 850,000 low-income Texans by developing innovative care management programs and services. Members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Amerigroup Texas provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their health care. Through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Contacts
Amerigroup Media Contact:
Olga Gallardo
818-201-5682
olga.gallardo@anthem.com