For the last few days I’ve been part of the amazing “ride out” crew of doctors, nurses, and support staff covering Texas Children’s Hospital during Hurricane Harvey and the overwhelming aftermath of flooding in Houston. Since I live in Houston, I have been asked by many, in person and on Twitter, what they can do to help.
Please let me know via Twitter (@drmlb) or in the comment section below if you have recommendations to add to the list below.
Heading for work @TexasChildrens #Woodlands #HurricaneHarvey pic.twitter.com/r0cFzghyZ5
— Mary L. Brandt MD (@drmlb) August 26, 2017
Houston has an amazing mayor, who has established a fund which will be distributed to groups by the Greater Houston Community Foundation. To donate to this fund: https://ghcfdisaster.kimbia.com/hurricaneharveyrelieffund
First question on rounds today @TexasChildrens "Is your house flooded? Can you get home?" #HurricaneHarvey
— Mary L. Brandt MD (@drmlb) August 26, 2017
Houston Food Bank A marvelous charity that provides food to anyone who needs it.
Plant It Forward This wonderful organization provides urban farmland for refugees to grow food for themselves and to sell.
Really? It's not enough to worry about floods? #HurricaneHarvey #Houston pic.twitter.com/4rnJzx9Kc0
— Mary L. Brandt MD (@drmlb) August 27, 2017
Texas Diaper Bank . It’s amazing how this is always a big need in crisis situations. This group does a great job keeping baby bottoms covered!
Starting Day 3 of the #HurricaneHarvey #houstonflood "ride out" @TexasChildrens #Woodlands. #TakingCareOfTheKids pic.twitter.com/yeKJIgvWKo
— Mary L. Brandt MD (@drmlb) August 28, 2017
Houston Coalition for the Homeless A group dedicated to caring for the homeless in Houston. Unfortunately, there is little doubt that we will be seeing an increase in homelessness after this disaster, so their work will be even more important.
The rate limiting step for many in our @TexasChildrens #Woodlands ride out team to get home. #houstonflood #Harvey pic.twitter.com/8PeDiHijeK
— Mary L. Brandt MD (@drmlb) August 28, 2017
Houston Humane Society . There are always lost and frightened pets after a flood. This group takes care of them.
Day 3 update from @TexasChildrens #Woodlands ORs busy but pts safe and doing well. Looking like Wed/Thurs until we swap. #HoustonFlood
— Mary L. Brandt MD (@drmlb) August 28, 2017
Hospital chaplaincy programs are always in need of resources and provide important spiritual support during times of crisis. You can donate to spiritual care or other programs for the hospitals in the Texas Medical Center here:
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center
Some of the true @TexasChildrens #HoustonFlood heroes. Here since Friday – keeping the hospital running. Thank you!!!! pic.twitter.com/jy01o1DZrU
— Mary L. Brandt MD (@drmlb) August 28, 2017
If you live in Houston, you might think about volunteering by registering with Volunteer Houston or giving blood.