Harvey Affected About 75,000 Hospital Employees in Texas
Hospital employees who work inside the disaster areas designated by FEMA are eligible for assistance. Meanwhile, the Texas Hospital Association is asking the Texas hospital community for help to raise more donations.
The Texas Hospital Association this week estimated that as many as 75,000 hospital employees experienced losses and damage from Hurricane Harvey, both the storm and subsequent flooding. The association, which is based in Austin and represents more than 85 percent of the state's acute-care hospitals and health care systems that combined employ some 365,000 health care professionals, announced Sept. 5 that it is contributing $1 million to a special assistance fund for the affected employees.
THA, along with other state hospital associations and health care organizations across the country, established the hospital employee assistance fund and reported that it has drawn donations from hospitals, corporations, and independent supporters across the country, including a $50,000 contribution from the American Hospital Association.
"Throughout the storm and the days following, we witnessed firsthand the dedication of our health care workforce," said Ted Shaw, THA's president and CEO. "Many of these individuals stayed committed to their work, knowing their families and property were at risk. While hospital administrative personnel, nurses, and other staff train for unspeakable disasters like Hurricane Harvey, their preparation and focus ensured the safety and continued operation of facilities even as the waters rose and the lights went out. Now, it's time for us to take care of the caregivers."
Hospital employees who work inside the disaster areas designated by FEMA are eligible for assistance. Meanwhile, THA is asking the Texas hospital community for help to raise more donations. "The effects from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey will be with us long after the water recedes and the media spotlight fades away," Shaw said, "but our support for the thousands of dedicated Texas hospital employees who selflessly cared for the sick, elderly, and vulnerable under truly challenging conditions will remain steadfast."