Two MAP International relief assessment teams visited hurricane devastated areas in Louisiana and the gulf coast of Mississippi this week, assessing the impact of the $600,000 in essential medicines and health supplies delivered to the affected region since August 29.
MAP International was also able to fill the gaps in medical supplies for essential medicines for two community hospitals in the New Orleans area - West Jefferson Hospital and St. Charles Hospital. Over $300,000 worth of supplies were delivered to these facilities in the first phase of the relief effort.
MAP assessment teams interviewed doctors and other health professionals serving those injured by the storm or during the clean up. The team was able to identify consistent on-going needs of the patients they are treating.
An emergency physician with St. Charles Hospital reported that the MAP medicines and health supplies "were exactly what we needed."
Although thousands are being served by FEMA and the American Red Cross, MAP is filling voids in the supply of essential medicines including over the counter medicines and bandages that were not in place through relief supply distribution points.
A volunteer medical team from Indiana helped start up urgent care clinic in a low income neighborhood of Gulf Port, Mississippi. Due to the mold and other allergens kicked up by flooding, these clinics are in constant need of antihistamines and decongestants.
Urgent care clinics and temporary medical stations are being set up by volunteer medical teams. There medical personnel are treating puncture wounds, skin infections. Health agencies are also providing available vaccinations against tetanus and other health threats. Many of the security personnel in place were in need of medical supplies as well.
In Waveland, Mississippi, the heavy storm surge and 30 to 40 foot waves left thousands homeless. As evacuees return to the area in search of their homes, many are camped in tents in shopping center parking lots.
MAP supplies were placed with emergency medical teams serving the Waveland area. Among the more minor, yet irritating conditions encountered by relief teams is chiggers, mosquitoes and sunburn.
With sunscreen and insect repellant in short supply, MAP arrived with these goods just in time. "We could use whatever you got, that's for sure," said Mike Yates, a paramedic from Polk County, Florida.