HELLO,CAN YOU PLEASE EVERYONE JUST LEAVE THIS POST UP FOR I HAVE PUT THIS MESSAGE BOARD POSTED IN "A MESSAGE TO AUTSTIC FAMILIES THAT HAVE BEEN EVACUATED" SO WHEN THEY READ THE MESSAGE IN A ABOUT.COM FOR PARENTS GOING THROUGH THIS WITH THERE AUTISTIC KIDS THEY CAN COME IN HERE FOR SUPPORT AND VENT,they may just want to be uplifted knowing we are all here thinking of them..thank you for the kindness.CYNDIE.IF IT IS HERE IN THIS PARENT SECTION THEY'LL BE ABLE TO GET TO IT QUICKER,INSTEAD OF HANGOUT ROOM.
How to Help People with Disabilities affected by Hurricane Katrina
The disability community has come together to assist people with disabilities in the Gulf States affected by the hurricane. We've gathered the following information for those affected and how to help.
http://www.dredf.org/katrina.html
General and disability-specific information for people with disabilities including help locating accessible homes.
http://www.katrinadisability.info
Assistance for Deaf or Hard of Hearing
http://www.c-s-d.org
Information from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/hki/
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare have said that there
will be a waiver between all of the states housing hurricane survivors who
were already receiving Medicaid to have their Medicaid accepted in their
current location. Additionally, there will be an expedited process for Medicaid eligibility for those who may now be eligible due to their hurricane related situation.
Gulf States Independent Living Centers
The New Orleans and Biloxi, MS centers for independent living were severely affected by the hurricane. You can send direct assistance to them.
For the Biloxi Center, mail the check (payable to LIFE of Central MS and designated for the Biloxi Center) to:
LIFE of Central Mississippi
754 North President Street, Suite 1
Jackson, MS 39202
For the centers in Louisiana (make checks payable to Resources for Independent Living - this is a branch of the N.O. center - and designate for the New Orleans center) and mail to:
Resources for IL
11931 Industriplex Blvd. Suite 200
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Mack Marsh of the Shreveport Center that centers in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles are assisting evacuees. Mack says they would also appreciate supplies if there is any way to get those supplies to the centers.
His list includes: manual wheelchairs, hospital beds, adult diapers, bed pads, catheters and other supplies. The address for the Baton Rouge center is shown above, addresses for the Shreveport and Lake Charles centers follow.
Southwest LA Independence Center, Inc.
Mitch Granger
1202 Kirkman, Suite C
Lake Charles, LA 70601
New Horizons, Inc.
Jerry Kidwell
9300 Mansfield Road, Suite 204
Shreveport, LA 71118
For a list of all the Centers in AL, LA & MS, go
http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html
from http://www.autisminfo.com/Katrina2.htm
Latest Information we Have Available on Relocation Assistance for Families of Kids with Autism
Relief Contact Information
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster: www.nvoad.org
Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: www.la-spca.org
Operation Blessing: 1-800-436-6348 or www.ob.org
America's Second Harvest: 1-800-344-8070 or www.secondharvest.org
Adventist Community Services: 1-800-381-7171 or www.adventist.communityservices.org
Church World Service: 1-800-297-1516 or www.churchworldservice.org
Convoy of Hope: 1-417-823-8998 or www.convoyofhope.org
Lutheran Disaster Response: 1-800-638-3522 or www.elca.org/disaster
Mennonite Disaster Service: 1-717-859-2210 or www.mds.mennonite.net
Nazarene Disaster Response: 1-888-256-5886 or www.nazarenedisasterresponse.org
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: 1-800-872-3283 or www.pcusa.org/pda
Southern Baptist Convention - Disaster Relief: 1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440 or www.namb.net
Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW or www.redcross.org
AmeriCares:americares.org
Episcopal Relief & Development: 1-800-334-7626 or www.er-d.org
United Methodist Committee on Relief: 1-800-554-8583 or gbgm-umc.org
Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY or www.salvationarmyusa.org
Catholic Charities: 1-800-919-9338 or www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
FEMA Charity tips: www.fema.gov/rrr/help2.shtm
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster: www.nvoad.org
Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: www.la-spca.org
Operation Blessing: 1-800-436-6348 or www.ob.org
Helpful Referrals:
FEMA Helpline -- (800)-621-FEMA (3362) TTY (800)-462-7585
FEMA Employment -- www.fema.gov/career/index.jsp
FEMA news releases -- www.fema.gov/news/recentnews.fema
FEMA trailer auction -- www.gsaauctions.gov
Elder Affairs -- (800) 963-5337
Fraud Hotline -- (800) 323-8603
Mail Appeal Letters to: FEMA Individual and Households Program, National Processing Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055 or Fax (800) 227-8676
Recoupment questions call: FEMA Disaster Finance Center (800) 816-1122 Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm Small Business Administration (SBA) -- (800) 359-2227
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http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/kennedy/katrina.html
Autism Society of America - Katrina Relief Fund: Help Rebuild Families' Lives
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation, the Autism Society of America (ASA) staff is on the ground in the Houston area as evacuees from the Gulf Coast region are arriving in town by the busload. We are expecting over 50,000 families and have been informed that many of these families have special needs. We are particularly concerned for the safety and welfare of our families from the affected areas who have children and loved ones on the spectrum.
Children with Special Health Care Needs - Families Helping Families Hurricane Relief Fund
Family Voices, a national nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports families that have children and youth with special health care needs, has launched the Families Helping Families Hurricane Relief Fund to help fill the needs and relieve the pain of some of Hurricane Katrina’s most vulnerable victims. One hundred percent of the donated funds will be funneled to volunteer family leaders “on the ground” in the affected states, leaders who are already assisting some of the most vulnerable victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Developmental Disabilities - The Arc of the United States
The Arc has established a Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund to channel donations to our constituents affected by Katrina and the subsequent flooding. All money donated will be used to fill the most immediate needs for food, clothing, medicine, and shelter. There will be no administrative costs deducted from donations to the fund. Be sure to select Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund in the section headed My gift is... in support of:
Developmental Disabilities - TASH
TASH has put together the following information for TASH members and colleagues regarding efforts to assist disability related organizations and individuals with disabilities and their families in the Gulf States and the states receiving refugees from the storm and floods.
Social Security Information for People Affected by Hurricane Katrina
The Social Security Administration is doing everything it can to ensure that monthly payments get to beneficiaries affected by Hurricane Katrina. Visit their web site for more details.
Medicare & Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has acted to assure that the Medicare, Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Programs will flex to accommodate the emergency health care needs of beneficiaries and medical providers in the Hurricane Katrina devastated states.
Many of the programs' normal operating procedures will be relaxed to speed provision of health care services to the elderly, children and persons with disabilities who depend upon them.
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
Every hurricane survivor with a disability must register to be able to receive the full range of federal disaster relief assistance. Registrants must make it clear that they have a disability or chronic health care need. 1/800-621-FEMA, 1/800-462-9029, 1/800-462-7585 TDD/TYY
Website Maintaining Lists of Disability-Related Relief Efforts
Hurricane Katrina: Ways to Help People with Developmental Disabilities and their Families
From Disability Solutions by Joan Medlin. This editorial blog is keeping track of emerging efforts in Katrina Disaster Relief as it relates to individuals with disabilities. Check frequently to get the latest updates.
Hurricane Katrina - Help the Families
From Pamela Wilson, BellaOnline's Special Needs Children Editor, another article tracking disaster efforts.
Katrina Disaster Relief Information for People with Disabilities and people who want to help them
This page includes information for people with disabilities who need help and also information for those who want to help people with disabilities and need to know how.
Disabilities Preparedness Center - Katrina Special Needs Information
his page is to help share information being generated as a result of Hurricane Katrina that may impact on individuals with disabilities and other special needs.
Jeffs Life - Benefit Special Needs and Preemie Groups
From Jeff Simpson, dad of a preemie and author of "Alex, The Fathering of a Preemie" has compiled a list of sites and organizations that are geared towards assisting families of children with special health care needs in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Coping With Hurricane Katrina
A number of articles from the National Mental Health Association
Talking to Your Kids About Hurricane Katrina
From the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters Health System
Helping Children After a Disaster
From the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Hurricane Tips: Stress, Children & Teens
From Jackson Memorial Hospital
Helping our Children Feel Safe
From PBS Kids
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Katrina Hurricane Relief Is Available For Families Effected With Autism
Please Email Us With Your Needs featntls@charter.net
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http://www.truthlaidbear.com/katrinacharities.php
Hurricane Katrina: Blog for Relief Weekend
Thursday, September 1 - Monday, September 5
A weekend of blogging focused on raising awareness of and funds for relief efforts to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina. See here for more information, and here for the TTLB Katrina topic page.
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http://www.familyvoices.org/hurricane_resources.htm
Family Voices has compiled this list of resources (alphabetical order) to assist you in your efforts to help families of children and youth with special health care needs affected by Hurricane Katrina. This list is not all-inclusive and is provided for informational purposes only. We recommend that you conduct further research to fully ascertain the services being offered by each of these sources/websites and their efficacy. Family Voices makes no representation about the suitability or accuracy of statements or data within these sources/websites.
KEY RESOURCES FOR GENERAL DISASTER RELIEF
American Red Cross – www.redcross.org - 1-800-435-7669
Salvation Army – www.salvationarmyusa.org - 1-888-363-2769
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – www.fema.gov - 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585
STATE-SPECIFIC NUMBERS AND INFORMATION
ALABAMA
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
5898 County Road 41
P.O. Drawer 2160
Clanton, AL 35046
205-280-2200 VOICE
205-280-2495 FAX
www.ema.alabama.gov/
Alabama Department of Transportation
Emergency Road Closure Information and Evacuation Updates:
888-588-2848 or 334-353-6650
www.dot.state.al.us/docs
Alabama Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation - 800-367-0955
ARKANSAS
www.kare.arkansas.gov>
GEORGIA
Georgia has opened its Pre-K Program to children from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama who have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Story: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&ST ORY=/www/story/09-06-2005/0004101000&EDATE
INDIANA
Admitting all evacuees into grades K-12, and granting high school credits based testing their knowledge www.doe.state.in.us/reed/newsr/2005/09-September/disaster090 105.html
LOUSIANA
Louisiana Governor Blanco's hotline: 800-469-4828
Louisiana Evacuation Office: 225-925-7514
Louisiana State Police: 225-925-7708 or 7709
Shelter Information: Red Cross- 866-438-4636
Triage Phone Numbers:
Alexandria: 800-841-5778
Baton Rouge: 800-349-1372
Slidell/Hammond: 866-280-7724
Lafayette: 800-901-3210
Lake Charles: 866-280-2711
Monroe: 866-280-7287
Houma/Thibodaux: 800-228-9409
Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness
7667 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-925-7500 VOICE
225-925-7501 FAX
www.ohsep.louisiana.gov
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi hotlines for missing persons, volunteers and donations
Red Cross 800-HELP-NOW (Donations)
MDOT traffic hotline: 601-352-7017
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
Jackson, MS 39296
601-352-9100 VOICE
800-442-6362 TOLL-FREE
601-352-8314 FAX
www.mema.state.ms.us
Road conditions www.ms.gov/frameset.jsp?URL=http://www.gomdot.com
NORTH CAROLINA
State Medicaid officials will provide emergency medical services to Medicaid eligible Hurricane Katrina victims who have temporarily relocated to North Carolina. Visit – www.dhhs.state.nc.us for more information.
TENNESSEE
Tennessee Gov. Bredesen signed an executive order Tuesday temporarily modifying the Families First program to allow the one-time cash assistance to qualifying Hurricane Katrina evacuee households with children under 18 and without access to assets at home. The one-time grant will be 0 for one- and two-person households, ,250 for three- and four-person households and ,500 for households of five or more. The grant will be delivered on the same kind of electronic benefit cards Families First and Food Stamp recipients receive and which are accepted at retailers across the state.
TEXAS
Suspended collection of state and local hotel and motel taxes from victims of the Hurricane:
www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/proclamations/procl amation.2005-09-02/view
Allowed victims of Hurricane Katrina to qualify for in-state tuition rates at Texas colleges and universities: www.governor.state.tx.us/priorities/health_safety/hurricane/ index_html/view
See the Center for Public Policy Priorities “Katrina series” for details on the range of services being provided.
www.cppp.org/research.php?aid=448
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
AUTISM – CHILDREN
TOCCOPOLA, MS -- Emergency housing for families of children with autism and other developmental disorders at Camp Yocona in Toccopola, MS. The camp can accommodate up to 350 people in cabins that can sleep up to 8 people each. Each group of 4-5 cabins has a bathhouse. A large commercial kitchen and dining hall is available and a volunteer will be staffing the kitchen to prepare meals including gluten and casein free options for children on restricted diets.
Anyone with information on families of children with developmental disabilities needing shelter as a result of the hurricane and its aftermath are asked to contact the National Autism Association toll free at 1-866-622-6733, or Peg Pickering at 662-488-9619.
BREASTFEEDING
Hurricane Katrina brought about widespread destruction and displacement of tens of thousands of people, leaving them at risk for disease, malnutrition, and dehydration. Babies are at particular risk, especially if they are bottle-fed. Baby formula and clean water may be scarce, and breastfeeding may be the best way to ensure survival of this vulnerable population. It is important that babies who are breastfeeding continue to do so-- their survival may depend on it.
Additional information on breastfeeding during disasters is available from the US Breastfeeding Committee, the International Lactation Consultant Association, and from La Leche League.
www.usbreastfeeding.org/Issue-Papers/Emergency.pdf
www.ilca.org/pubs/InfantFeeding-EmergPP.pdf
www.lalecheleague.org
CELL PHONE ACCESS
September 2, 2005 - Enterprise, Alabama - Unicel, a service of Rural Cellular Corporation (RCC), is offering free cell phone calls to anyone who has been affected by Hurricane Katrina and is able to get to one of their stores in Alabama or Mississippi. In an effort to help people remain connected to their loved ones and assist them in getting the emergency assistance they need, Unicel will allow people who have lost communications with their friends and family to place free calls from their stores. Visit www.unicel.com for more information.
CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
The Centers for Independent Living in Biloxi and New Orleans have been gravely affected by Katrina. "Sending money is the first priority," says donation organizers. "Sending supplies to those centers is helpful, too, but not right now, because they can't get through the water." Send a check or credit card payment to the Red Cross and designate it for Hurricane Relief, or designate it for people with disabilities in the Biloxi/Hattiesburg or New Orleans areas. If you want to send money directly for the CILs dealing with this disaster, here are your options: For the Biloxi Center, mail the check (payable to LIFE of Central MS and designated for the Biloxi Center) to: LIFE of Central Mississippi, 754 North President Street, Suite 1, Jackson, MS 39202. For the centers in Louisiana (make checks payable to Resources for Independent Living - this is a branch of the N.O. center - and designate for the New Orleans center) and mail to: Resources for IL, 11931 Industriplex Blvd. Suite 200, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Centers in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles are assisting evacuees. They would also appreciate supplies if there is any way to get those supplies to the centers. The wish list includes manual wheelchairs, hospital beds, adult diapers, bed pads, catheters, and other supplies. The address for the Baton Rouge center is shown above, addresses for the Shreveport and Lake Charles centers are Southwest LA Independence Center, Inc., Mitch Granger, 1202 Kirkman, Suite C, Lake Charles, LA 70601; and New Horizons, Inc., Jerry Kidwell, 9300 Mansfield Road, Suite 204, Shreveport, LA 71118.
DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
Agencies serving individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina are reporting that their phone lines and offices are shut down for the time being. Coverage for pagers may be weak at times due to loss of network capabilities. As a result, people wanting to find information on recovery and rescue efforts in the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina are encouraged in Louisiana or displaced westward in Texas to contact CSD of Oklahoma during regular business hours at: www.c-s-d.org (click on locations, then Oklahoma)
(866) 845-7445 Voice/TTY (Toll Free)
(918) 835-7445 Voice/TTY
(918) 835-6459 FAX
csdoklahoma@c-s-d.org
DISABILITIES/SPECIAL NEEDS
Every hurricane survivor with a disability MUST register to be able to receive the full range of federal disaster relief assistance. Here are the FEMA registration numbers. Registrants MUST make it clear that they have a disability or chronic health care need. 1/800-621-FEMA; 1/800-462-9029; 1/800-462-7585 TDD/TYY; www.fema.gov/about/process/ (For on-line registration)
Family Voices (families of children and youth with special health care needs) has begun a campaign to allow us to work with local rescue and shelter agencies to find the families whose children need special help, give them the emotional and physical support they require, and get them to resources. Because our volunteer leaders, all of them parents or family members of children and youth with special health care needs, are part of the Family Voices national grassroots network, we are working with state and local organizations in the communities where hurricane evacuees are now being sent. Visit – www.familyvoices.org for more information or call 1-888-835-5669.
Family Village has developed a list of disability-specific resources for victims of Hurricane Katrina. In addition, this website also lists disability organizations who are collecting funds and goods. Visit – www.familyvillage.wisc.edu
www.katrinadisability.info/ has been set up to provide information to people with disabilities and their families who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. New information and resources will be added as it becomes available, so people should visit often for information and updates.
United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP) has set up an emergency hotline for UCP of New Orleans. Concerned consumers and their families, employees and volunteers can call 800-872-5827 to receive information, as well as leave messages about their personal status – www.ucpgno.org. You can also get additional information at www.ucp.org.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is providing a resource guide and a Katrina Hurricane Relief Fund to assist consumers and families affected by the hurricane. Included in this resource: How NAMI is responding to the tragedy as it relates to people with serious mental illness, NAMI's Hurricane Katrina Message Board, NAMI's email alerts, Resources and Links to support and information specific for people living with mental illness and their families. Visit – www.nami.org or call 1-800-950-6264.
The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) has a Hurricane Emergency Life-Support Program including working with industry to secure essential equipment, working with its chapters to distribute supplies when the infrastructure in the region has been restored, and develop an Emergency Preparedness program for future emergency situations. Also links to SBA Chapter and Clinic Lists. Visit – www.sbaa.org or call 1-800-621-3141
TASH (serving persons with severe disabilities) has put together the following information for TASH members and colleagues regarding efforts to assist disability related organizations and individuals with disabilities and their families in the Gulf States and the states receiving refugees from the storm and floods. We will be updating this page with additional information as we receive it. Visit – www.tash.org/katrinainfo.htm or call 1-410-828-8274.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) has distributed "Ways to Support Disability Related Relief Efforts for Hurricane Katrina." They include links for information, organizations, and assistance. Visit – www.spinalcord.org or call 1-800-962-9629.
Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) now has a web page and message board at www.ilru.org (top of page) to assist hurricane survivors with disabilities.
The ARC of US has developed a website for anyone who knows of hurricane victims in Alabama, Louisiana, or Mississippi with special needs and/or families who need immediate services and supports. The site will be particularly useful for case managers, service coordinators, state officials and other advocates, but the site is open for use by anyone. www.thearclink.org
Community And Residential Services Association (CARSA), a trade organization for providers of services with developmental disabilities, in cooperation with the ARC of Louisiana, the Developmental Disabilities Council and The Advocacy Center, is available to assist families who may have relatives who were evacuated from community homes and other service programs in the Greater New Orleans area. Families seeking information may call the following numbers for assistance:
CARSA 225-343-8811
The ARC of Louisiana 1-866-966-6261
Developmental Disabilities Council 1-800-450-8108
The Advocacy Center (Baton Rouge) 1-800-711-1696
The Advocacy Center (Lafayette) 1-800-822-0210
Emergency Evacuation Preparedness: Taking Responsibility For Your Safety- A Guide For People with Disabilities and Other Activity Limitations"
www.cdihp.org/products.html
Disaster Resources for People with Disabilities and Emergency Managers
www.jik.com/disaster.html
Emergency Preparedness Initiative (EPI) ? National Organization on Disability
www.nod.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageID=11
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT/MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Consumers calling 1-888-966-6468 will receive information about open home medical equipment locations in the Gulf Coast region, or be directed to other locations nearest them for home oxygen and home medical equipment products and services. Invacare associates have been in contact with the Red Cross and other disaster relief agencies to assess their needs for oxygen and other medical products and equipment. Additionally, we are working with Invacare Providers nationwide to fulfill equipment needs and requests as they arise. Visit – www.invacare.com for further information.
EDUCATION
Children who are housed by people in safe places can be enrolled in public schools. Many state education agencies and local school districts are providing guidance to schools on enrolling children displaced by the hurricane. The following state education agencies outlines the federal law regarding the placement of homeless children in school and can be useful to parents and local educators in understanding both the federal law and the importance of assisting displaced families in enrolling their children.
Alabama: www.alsde.edu/HTML/HurricaneKatrina.asp
Florida: www.firn.edu/doe/hurricane/ 1-877-352-2731
Georgia: www.doe.k12.ga.us/ 1-800-311-3627
Louisiana: www.doe.state.la.us/lde/index.html 1-877-453-2721
Mississippi: www.mde.k12.ms.us/ 1-601-359-3764
Texas: www.tea.state.tx.us/taa/comm083105.html 1-800-957-5109
Virginia: www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/NewHome/pressreleases/2005/sep1.html
Tennessee: www.tennesseeanytime.org/education/index.html 1-(615) 532-6314
FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE CARE
Louisiana and Mississippi - Foster and adoptive parents should be advised that they should call in to request payment. They will be asked some basic information and their check will be forwarded to them.In Louisiana call 1-800-2593428; In Mississippi call 1-800-821-9157; In Alabama, a phone number is not available at this time.
GENERAL DISASTER RELIEF
There are several agencies you may want to contact to find out what assistance may be available if you are a victim of a Hurricane Katrina. Please refer to the general phone numbers and websites on the first page of this document.
You may also want to visit www.disasterhelp.gov, an online resource site for disaster information and assistance. This site allows individuals to apply for disaster assistance, has disaster preparedness guides, links to various disaster agencies and organizations, and much more.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2005- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today issued two directives to further meet the food and housing needs of Hurricane Katrina survivors. Johanns authorized states to pre-load electronic food benefit cards with worth of assistance, which will enable displaced residents to immediately purchase food even before their application has been processed to receive complete benefits. These cards can then be distributed to displaced residents as they move from shelters to temporary housing. The food stamp program is administered by states and fully funded by USDA. States are being notified of the authorization and urged to take advantage of it. In addition, the Agriculture Department said its Food and Nutrition Service would provide meals and other commodities, such as infant formula, distilled water for babies and emergency food stamps. Visit: www.usda.gov for further information.
In addition to state administered Disaster Food Stamp Programs in the affected areas, FNS has issued guidance on how receiving states should provide assistance to evacuees through its Food Stamp and Child Nutrition Programs. FNS Katrina page:
www.fns.usda.gov/disasters/disaster.htm
The Food Research and Action Center posts up-to-date information at: www.frac.org, FRAC’s Advocate’s Guide to Disaster Food Stamp Programs is at: www.frac.org/pdf/dfsp05.pdf
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
A wide range of hazards, including downed power lines and possible exposure to fungi or toxins, can exist after a disaster has occurred. Those involved in cleanup and recovery efforts, homeowners and business owners may find the following information helpful. For general information, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has published information on hazards of natural disaster cleanup work and emergency response resources. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published information specific to cleanup after a flood. And the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published information on workers' safety following hurricanes.
HIPAA INFORMATION
HIPAA Privacy Rule allows covered entities to share patient information to assist in disaster relief efforts, and to assist patients in receiving the care they need. This information you can readily access from the OCR website, www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/, by clicking on A Hurricane Katrina Bulletin: Disclosing PHI in Emergency Situations.
HOUSING/SHELTERS
HUD ESTABLISHES SINGLE TOLL-FREE NUMBER (1-888-297-8685) TO HELP DISASTER VICTIMS WITH ALL HOUSING CONCERNS
Assistance available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., CST, seven days a week
WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today announced that HUD has established a single toll-free number, 1-888-297-8685, to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The number operates from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST, seven days a week. Previously, HUD had toll free numbers for each of the different services provided by the agency, such as FHA insured-mortgages, Section 8, multi-family housing, lender information and public housing residents. Visit www.hud.gov
FEDERAL MEDICAL SHELTERS - HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced today that the first ten Federal Medical Shelters (FMCs) will be located at Department of Defense (DoD) facilities throughout the Gulf region to provide basic health care services for Hurricane Katrina victims. The first ten shelters will be located at Fort Polk, La. (4 Federal Medical Shelters); Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (2 Federal Medical Shelters); Meridian Naval Air Station, Miss. (2 Federal Medical Shelters); and Mississippi National Air Guard Facility (2 Federal Medical Shelters). Each shelter has a 250-bed capacity, and HHS will provide the equipment and supplies needed to support each shelter. Up to 40 medical shelters will be created. Visit www.hhs.gov for more information.
Special triage telephone lines are being established in each region to accept the calls of citizens seeking special needs sheltering. Citizens with special needs seeking shelter must call telephone number in their area BEFORE attempting to access a shelter. Alexandria - 800-841-5778; Shreveport - 800-841-5776; Baton Rouge - 800-349-1372; Monroe - 866-280-7287; Houma/Thibodaux - 800-228-9409; Slidell/Hammond - 866-280-7724; Lafayette - 800-901-3210; Lake Charles - 866-280-2711
An emergency national housing drive connects your empty beds with hurricane victims who desperately need a place to stay. You can post your offer of housing (a spare room, extra bed, even a decent couch) and search for available housing online. Housing is most urgently needed within reasonable driving distance (about 300 miles) of the affected areas in the Southeast, especially New Orleans. But no matter where you live, your housing could still make a world of difference to a person or family in need.
www.hurricanehousing.org
IDENTIFICATION
Louisiana's Department of Motor Vehicles has sent a request out to all jurisdictions to be sympathetic to its citizens who are seeking to obtain photo identification. Many citizens have been displaced and have nothing but the clothing on their backs. These victims need photo identification in order to conduct business, have access to federal aid, etc. Louisiana has a repository of digital photos for all driver's licenses and identification cards issued. If any jurisdiction has a question concerning the identification of an individual who claims to be a Louisiana resident who has been displaced, please feel free to e-mail either Carla Dorris- cdorris@dps.state.la.us or Ronald Marson rmarson@dps.state.la.us . They will be able to send an e-mail with the correct photo. This will provide some basic identification during this period of recovery. In addition, any jurisdiction who has questions can contact either Dorris at (225) 925-6751 or Marson at (225) 925-1709 who will provide any assistance they can. As the phone lines are being repaired, e-mail is the preferred method of contact.
INSURANCE ASSISTANCE
Consumers are encouraged to contact their insurance carrier for assistance with questions about claims or their policies.
Insurance Assistance
Individual Insurance Company Contact Info: www.disasterinformation.org/findins.htm
State Government Insurance Help Lines:
Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line 800-252-3439
Alabama Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line 800-433-3966, 334-241-4141 (outside Alabama)
Arkansas Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line 800-852-5494, 501-371-2640
Tennessee Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line 800-342-4029, 615-741-2241
Texas-Texas Department of Insurance's consumer Help Line - 1-800-252-3439
MAIL SERVICE
National Mail Service Updates: www.usps.com/communications/news/serviceupdates.htm
Evacuees are encouraged to file a change of address online (weblink above) or at the nearest Post Office, or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). The Astrodome has been assigned a Zip Code of 77230 and is working to set up special ZIP codes for other sites being used to house evacuees. Postal employees at those locations are assisting people with the Change of Address process.
MEDICAID/MEDICARE SERVICES
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has acted to assure that the Medicare, Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Programs will flex to accommodate the emergency health care needs of beneficiaries and medical providers in the Hurricane Katrina devastated states. Many of the programs’ normal operating procedures will be relaxed to speed provision of health care services to the elderly, children and persons with disabilities who depend upon them. Please visit the CMS website at www.cms.gov for the latest information regarding services. Updates are provided on the CMS website daily.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES DONATIONS – HOUSTON, TX
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Houston and the University of Houston Families CAN Program are organizing an effort to accumulate & disseminate medical supplies, special formulas, large diapers, syringes, and other "durable medical equipment" that children with medical/physical disabilities or chronic illnesses need on a frequent/daily basis. The UH Families CAN Program will direct donors and this special population of Katrina families to UCP of Greater Houston. Please note also that Families CAN is also offering to assist this population of Katrina victims with information and referral to resources they may need with regard to their children with medical/physical disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Families CAN Program
Parent Education Project
University of Houston (SSC #1 210)
Houston, TX 77204-3025
713-743-5435 or 713-743-5592
Contacts: Elaine Hime or Shelley Townsend
United Cerebral Palsy (in Houston)
4550 Bissonnet; Suite 340
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-838-9050 x.304, 5, 6
Contact: Elise Hough
Website: www.ucphouston.org
MENTAL HEALTH-TRAUMATIC STRESS
HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is equipped to train mental health workers and other human services providers who assist survivors following a disaster. www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov.
The SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center was established to provide assistance to jurisdictions planning for or facing an emergency event.
HHS/SAMHSA has established a crisis hotline for people in crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. By dialing 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), TTY 1-800-799-4889 callers will be connected to a network of local crisis centers across the country that are committed to crisis counseling. Callers to the hotline will receive counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network.
Family Recovery Project – A collaboration has been formed in order to coordinate support provided to all Gulf Coast Statewide Family Organizations directly involved in providing relief to families and children being evacuated as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Assisting in coordination of the Family Recovery Project are the national Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health and United Advocates for Children of California. The Family Recovery Project is getting financial assistance as well as help with coordination from the Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA. Please contact Conni Wells at cjwells@sprynet.com; Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health at (703) 684-7710; or United Advocates for Children of CA at www.uacc4families.org.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is providing a resource guide and a Katrina Hurricane Relief Fund to assist consumers and families affected by the hurricane. Included in this resource: How NAMI is responding to the tragedy as it relates to people with serious mental illness, NAMI's Hurricane Katrina Message Board, NAMI's email alerts, Resources and Links to support and information specific for people living with mental illness and their families. Visit –