Hurricane Katrina: Surviving the Aftermath

This informative article includes information on cleaning up your home—including safety considerations, and provides essential contact information for FEMA and CDC, including financial assistance.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/511969?src=mp

Medications

Alert: Hurricane Katrina and Emergency Withdrawal From Pain Medicines

From the American Pain Foundation, information for those with chronic pain who are without their medications. Includes information on tapering and withdrawal symptoms.

Word document: http://www.painfoundation.org/downloads/EmergencyWithdrawal.doc
PDF: http://www.painfoundation.org/downloads/EmergencyWithdrawal.pdf

Accessing Your Medications through Caremark
http://www.caremark.com/wps/portal/_s.155/3352?cms=CMS-2-010832

Disability/Special Medical Needs

American Kidney Fund
Emergency grants to dialysis patients affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Grants help patients pay for food, shelter, medication, transportation to treatment, and replacement of household necessities.
http://www.kidneyfund.org/

Louisiana Disability Information Resource
Includes housing and financial assistance.
http://www.katrina-la.net/

TASH
Relief Efforts for hurricane victims with special needs - a list of various resources for those with special medical needs.
http://www.tash.org

Replacing Vital Documents

Learn how to replace your important government documents.
http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_
Recovery/Vital_Docs.shtml

Location Specific Resources

Resources for Evacuees in Memphis, TN

Source, Memphis Travel: http://www.memphistravel.com/Katrina.html

Pharmaceutical Assistance:

• Any area Walgreens Pharmacy will provide a FREE 30-day supply of some prescription medications for evacuees. You will need to show valid I.D. Medications that are covered are those for serious or chronic health conditions (heart, blood pressure, thyroid, kidney, liver meds, insulin for diabetics, etc.). Go to any local pharmacy for assistance or call 1-800-WALGREENS.
• Church Health Center has opened a pharmacy for refugees at 1196 Peabody Avenue. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Fri. All prescriptions filled free-of-charge with donated medicine, subject to availability. If you do not have a prescription, you must first be seen by a physician. To see a physician, contact the Church Health Center Walk-in Clinic at 901-272-0003.

Medical Equipment Needs

Various Equipment:

• Mid-South ARC 901-327-2473 will help with wheelchairs and equipment and some temporary housing for critical care patients.
• Care Source, Inc., 901-219-1836 for wheelchairs, canes, walkers and other medical equipment.

Oxygen Suppliers:

If you have used either one of these suppliers: Lincare, 901-377-3010 or Apria Medical, 901-368-1200, your prescription and other information will be on file.

• If you do not use either of the two companies listed above, please call Methodist Alliance Home Medical Equipment at 901-516-1999 or Baptist Home Medical Equipment at 901-373-8485

Dialysis Needs:

• Gambro Dialysis Centers in Memphis. Call 901-525-1719 or 901-604-6373. Three clinics within the Memphis area. Open appointment times.

Resources for Evacuees in Houston, TX

Medications
Starting immediately, hurricane evacuees will be able to get prescription and non-prescription drugs, except Schedule 2 narcotics, at all Houston area CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart and SAM's Club pharmacies. For those who cannot pay, a free one-month supply will be provided.
http://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/20050903b.html

Government Information

Key State Government Agencies