A Texas-based nonprofit organization offering an array of emergency management services, BCFS Health and Human Services EMD is a leader in disaster response management. The organization offers medical care, sheltering, and public health services for communities impacted by disasters, and is part of a global group of nonprofits that assists people with a variety of capabilities.
The organization answered the call in 2008 when it helped Galveston, Texas, residents overcome the impactful 2008 hurricane season. During this year three major hurricanes made landfall in TexasDolly, Gustav, and Ike, which combined caused more than $50 billion in U.S. damages. To help local Texas residents manage this devastating hurricane season the organization offered services for more than 17,000 evacuees and responders. This included relocating Galveston-area evacuees to Galveston Island while supporting this population with transportation and medical services to ensure they’re safety and return to normalcy as soon as possible.
During this disaster, EMD was the only non-governmental agency approved to operate Federal Medical Stations (FMS) as part of the broader National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). Established as temporary medical care facilities offering non-acute services, the FMS offers needed medical supplies and equipment. During this hurricane season EMD constructed and managed two of the three total FMS stations, and the other was managed by federal employees. The organization aided this federally managed FMS, including aiding integration with local agencies and streamlining supply requests.
Each FMS performed several essential services. This included bed service, medication delivery and refills, monitoring of patient vital signs, and other services. Guests requiring dialysis were provided with treatment by the nursing team who also coordinated transport services if required. Other guests had non-acute medical conditions such as respiratory ailments. FMS provided therapists to help pulmonary disease sufferers to ensure their optimal health and comfort during this stressful time.
2018 ·