Great Care has been closely monitoring the devastation that Houston, Texas, and its surrounding communities have suffered in the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall and subsequent flooding. Especially the concerning news involving the elderly and those in compromising health situations.

We were relieved to hear late-breaking news from the American Diabetes Association that an additional 3,000 pounds of diabetes supplies were shipped, set to arrive early next week. Also, the 1-800-DIABETES has extended phone hours in evenings and this weekend to assist those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

“Today, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), JDRF and Insulin for Life (IFL USA) shipped an additional 3,000 pounds of donated diabetes supplies to people affected by Hurricane Harvey,” says the ADA, from its newsroom. “These additional pallets each include 200,000 syringes, 50,000 pen needles and 20,000 alcohol pads. Accompanying each pallet are separate packages containing dozens of blood glucose meters along with thousands of glucose test strips and lancets, which will allow an individual to test his or her blood glucose three times per day for nearly two months.”

The ADA reports that more than 25,000 units of analogue and human insulins, in both vial and pen forms, will also be delivered for each pallet, pending safe delivery and temperature control conditions at the locations. Two of the pallets shipped on Thursday, Aug. 31 are going to Harris County, Houston for distribution to evacuees sheltered at the newly opened NRG Center.

“One pallet each will be delivered to the Austin and San Antonio communities. The first five pallets of supplies, for Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center, where thousands are sheltered, and the Galveston and Corpus Christi communities, will arrive by Friday, Sept. 1,” reports the nonprofit.

The ADA’s Center for Information, 1-800-DIABETES, will have extended phone hours this week to assist anyone in need:

– 8:30 a.m. ET to 10:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Aug. 29 through Friday, Sept. 1; and

– 10:00 a.m. ET to 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 2.

The ADA also notes that on its special web link launched Monday, diabetes.org/hurricaneharvey, information is being updated regularly to include the latest resources, including the Red Cross’s live map of open shelters; tips for how to advocate for yourself or a loved one with diabetes; recommendations on how to help someone with diabetes and signs of a diabetes emergency for caregivers and emergency personnel; a list of open pharmacies; and additional resources from partners on how to access or donate supplies and/or medications.

Information and resources include:

– How to donate diabetes supplies to Insulin for Life

– Live map of open shelters from the American Red Cross, or 1-800-733-2767

– Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and federal aid programs for Texas residents

– Department of HHS support services, HHS Disaster Distress Line 1-800-985-5990

– The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hurricane resources

– Link to list of open pharmacies in the Houston area

– Texas Health and Human Services – call 211 for assistance

– The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies has a hotline, 1-800-626-4949, to help people with disabilities and the elderly to safety and provide immediate needs of durable medical equipment and supplies

– Americares is providing emergency support and services

– List of Texas food banks

– South Texas Blood and Tissue Center – to find a South Texas location to donate blood, call 210-731-5590

– American Red Cross – for nationwide locations to donate blood or platelets

“As additional supplies are donated, all three partners will continue to collaborate to get the supplies and medications where they are needed, especially since Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Louisiana yesterday,” says the ADA.

“During an emergency crisis such as this, it is critical for people with diabetes to have access to the medications and testing supplies needed to maintain proper blood glucose control, and to prevent serious sudden complications such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia 1.”

Visit diabetes.org/hurricaneharvey for the latest information.

Find the ADA on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn)

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non-medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.