St. Louis Healthcare professionals providing care, food to tornado victims
‘We’re in crisis mode, we don’t know when this will end.’
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - As storm victims recover, many are without medical care and prescriptions.
On Friday, Danita Smith, Tawanda Story and Tiffany Nelson knocked on doors and waited for a response to ask North City residents how they are doing. They have spent the last couple of days doing this after a tornado tore through parts of St. Louis City.
“We’ve been going out and visually inspecting, asking questions is the main thing because if you don’t ask, they will not tell you,” said Tiffany Nelson, ANP-C.
Just a week ago, the three healthcare professionals only knew each other from social media. After the storms, they got wind that people didn’t have medication, power, food or water, so they formed “The Healthcare Taskforce”.
“Unlike just sending random people out to the homes to make sure everyone is okay, we want to make sure residents feel safe, for whoever is coming into their home,” said Danita Smith, BSN, RN.
Their work is voluntary and in addition to their professional healthcare jobs. They are assisting those who need it most.
“We’re able to go in and create and or help with anything that a licensed medical provider can assist with,” said Smith.
Since they started, they have checked on dozens of residents, provided care to diabetics having trouble, and brought food, water, dietary supplements, supplies, and anything else people need.
“We’re in crisis mode, we don’t know when this will end,” said Tawanda Story, LPN, MHA.
The people affected, in some cases, lost everything — including the medication they may need to survive.
“A lot of patients were wondering, ‘How am I going to receive my prescriptions? What does it look like next? What are the next steps?’” said Dr. Kenneth Powell, head pharmacist at GreaterHealth Pharmacy and Wellness.
The Governor signed an executive order Tuesday, authorizing the Missouri Board of Pharmacy to waive standard rules and allow pharmacists to give a 30-day emergency supply of medication. But GreaterHealth Pharmacy is taking it a step forward.
“We’re going to make sure that they receive those prescriptions through free delivery, at no cost to them, in addition to making sure they get those disaster relief refills,” said Dr. Kenneth Powell.
Dr. Powell said even if your insurance doesn’t allow an emergency refill, the pharmacy will make a way to get everyone their medication. Their work, not stopping there. They are delivering bags of food along with patients’ medication, in a partnership with Operation Food Search.
“We’re going to give back to the community that has given so much to us,” said Dr. Powell.
You do not have to be a previous customer of GreaterHealth Pharmacy to receive medication or food.
“The Healthcare Taskforce” is seeking licensed healthcare professional volunteers and donations of all kinds. Their website with more information can be found here.
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