The devastation resulting from the impact of Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and other southern regions has been monumental. It is reported that the damage caused is the worst natural disaster to affect the U.S. in almost a century. Thousands of people have been affected. It will be years before these areas are rebuilt and individuals can fully re-establish their way of living.
It is heartbreaking to see people who are disabled by physical limitations, but also by basic environmental limitation. People are stranded on rooftops, in attics with water surrounding them on every side, unable to obtain water or food. In some cases, affected individuals are witnessing others die because they are not able to obtain the medical attention that they need and others have taken their lives to avoid the suffering.
These stories and situations shared by the various news services tug at our human nature. We are a fortunate country; but we are also vulnerable to natural acts that we cannot control. We are not removed being affected, and Hurricane Katrina has shown that to us again. We have not fully recovered from Hurricane Gaston.
We have to help each other, especially in these times of need.
Chapter 420 (Hunter Holmes McGuire in Richmond, VA) has charged each chapter member with a challenge to make a contribution to support the efforts of the American Red Cross, preferably in the amount of $5, but any contribution will be greatly appreciated. We are also making the same challenge to other NOVA chapters. Money for this disaster will be needed for a very long time. Some individuals or groups may want to provide other types of support such as sending needed items, volunteering to go to one of the affected areas, or taking a displaced refugee family into your home temporarily.
Telephone numbers that may be of assistance include:
Veteran/Family Toll Free Number:
VA has established a VA toll free number for veterans who normally receive health care at VA Facilities in New Orleans, Gulfport, MS and Biloxi, MS. The number can also be used for family members concerned about the location of the veterans who were hospitalized at those facilities.
VA Toll Free Number is 1-800-507-4571. The number will be staffed continuously for the duration of the emergency.
Employees Toll Free Number:
VHA & VBA have established a toll free, employee assistance number for the Hurricane victims.
The VHA toll fee number is 1-888-766-2474. The number will be operational 7 days a week from 6 am to 10 pm Central Standard Time.
The VBA toll free number is 1-888-435-3782.
A website has been set up with information and links to helpful information about VA facilities, compensation checks and other information. The website is: http://www.va.gov/hurricanekatrina.htm
We are keeping the victims, family members, and all volunteers in our prayers. Please let us know what you have been able to do in your chapters.
Thelma Roach-Serry, RN & Beverly Ross, RN
NOVA Chapter 420
