Historic floodwaters persist across Louisiana and neighboring states, the result of heavy storms that dropped more than two feet of rain in parts.
The storms damaged as many as 12,000 homes in Louisiana and forced more than 21,000 people to evacuate. While all but an estimated 200 people still in shelters, residents remain in a state of emergency as river levels hover at record-setting highs and thunderstorms are likely in the coming days.
In close coordination with local health centers, Direct Relief is working to ensure medical aid gets to where it’s needed most. This includes Livingston and Springfield, LA, where RKM Primary Care, a long-time partner, operates two health facilities under the umbrella of Primary Care Providers for A Healthy Feliciana (PCPFHF).
Livingston Parish in flood recovery mode https://t.co/53comhL2H6 pic.twitter.com/kTonBikCLR
— LaRadioNetwork (@LaRadioNetwork) March 15, 2016
In Springfield, a town in Livingston Parish of roughly 500 people, as many as 300 homes suffered water damage.
“I know many of our patients have lost everything… about 2000 evacuated and more to come,” said Ginger Hunt, PCPFHF CEO, in an email earlier this week.
Despite road closures, power outages, and standing water, RKM Primary Care has worked to keep its doors open for patients in need of health services.
To support their efforts, Direct Relief is providing $34k in requested medical aid, which includes antibiotics, insulin, prescriptions for conditions such as asthma and hypertension, and personal care items for evacuees.
This assistance is made possible by the in-kind contributions of Anda Inc., McKesson, Pfizer, and Sanofi, as well as transportation services from FedEx.