Historic Hurricane Michael Strikes Florida Panhandle Hurricane Michael, was a catastrophic storm that left a path of near-total destruction in Florida, including 47 fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure including homes businesses and essential communications. The hurricane moved to Georgia as a Category 3 storm, causing more fatalities, power outages, flooded roads and destruction of crops. Michael now ranks as one of the four most powerful hurricanes ever to strike the United States and caused more than $25 billion in damage. The hurricane left many survivors vulnerable, without access to critical health care. Americares deployed staff in advance of the storm, then provided essential medicine and relief supplies to shelters and clinics and, for clinics, support to keep doors open and make needed repairs.
Our Response Americares emergency response team assessed damage at shelters and clinics, working closely with staff to meet immediate needs. Americares has delivered 61 shipments of medicines, medical supplies, hygiene supplies and other relief items to local health facilities, shelters and partner organizations active in relief efforts. To ensure access to care for Hurricane Michael survivors, Americares also opened a temporary medical clinic in Panama City, Florida. The clinic was staffed by more than 30 volunteer doctors and nurses and provided free primary care services for children and adults seven days a week. More than 800 patients received medical services, including vaccines, care for diabetes and hypertension, medication refills, wound care and mental health/psychosocial support. Photo by William Vazquez
Health Care for Survivors After Chris waded through floodwaters to help his neighbors evacuate their home, he was able to get a tetanus vaccine at no cost at Americares temporary clinic in Panama City. Chris brought his young son for care also. “You can’t receive any other health care services because the kids’ doctors’ offices aren’t open,” Chris says.