In response to Hurricane Harvey in Texas, NACDS partner Healthcare Ready, a nonprofit that works to protect patient access to healthcare during times of disaster, announced that it is working with the offices of the Departments of Public Health and Public Safety, the Texas Emergency Management Agency and several federal agencies to coordinate the sharing of vital information and response between the private sector healthcare industry with partner organizations and government to ensure that medical gaps in the impacted areas are addressed during the response effort. Healthcare Ready will remain at ENGAGED status until the situation in the Texas coast stabilizes.
Healthcare Ready is coordinating with federal, state, local officials, nonprofits and shelters to ensure those affected by Hurricane Harvey can access the medical supplies they need and will be in contact with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state emergency operation centers, non-governmental relief organizations and private sector companies to provide assistance to affected areas.
Healthcare Ready has activated Rx Open, an online mapping tool which shows open pharmacies in Texas and Louisiana.
Healthcare Ready is tracking the activation of the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), which can be activated by HHS at the request of the impacted states. EPAP is a federal program which will provide free prescriptions for uninsured patients in the affected areas. Patients in need of prescription coverage are also encouraged to apply for the free Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) program called PPARx, which is an initiative of the biopharmaceutical industry that helps find a prescription program or free to low-cost clinic that will be a good fit based on the patient’s needs.
The American Red Cross is also providing clients in the shelters with up to $500 co-pay and medicine replacement assistance. The American Red Cross has shelters on standby for evacuees.
As the response and recovery effort continues, Healthcare Ready is working to ensure access to Tdap vaccines for both survivors and responders. Currently pharmacists in Texas are authorized to administer Tdap vaccinations.
If you become aware of situations that may adversely affect healthcare supply or care in the affected area, or would like to request the assistance of Healthcare Ready, contact the Healthcare Ready Support Team at alerts@healthcareready.org, or call 866-247-2694.
