August 28, 2008

HOUSTON - In response to the approach of Hurricane Gustav toward the Gulf Coast, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is stocking all necessary fuel, water, food, medications, and supplies, and making arrangements for essential staff to be on hand to meet the health care needs of veterans. The MEDVAMC currently has 81 beds available to receive patients in need.

At this time, the MEDVAMC and the outpatient clinics in Beaumont, Conroe, Galveston, Lufkin, and Texas City plan to remain operational to ensure veterans have timely access to health care. Veterans are strongly encouraged to keep their scheduled appointments.

The MEDVAMC encourages all veterans and their family members to keep current with weather conditions. Visit www.houston.va.gov/emergency/emergency_preparedness.asp or www.hurricanes.gov/prepare for emergency preparedness tips, useful Web sites and telephone numbers, suggestions for a disaster supplies kit, and more.  Harris County has established storm evacuation zones for the Houston-Galveston area using zip codes.  To find out if you live in an evacuation zone, visit www.hcoem.org/HCMap.aspx?P=Evacuation. All veterans are advised to follow evacuation orders given by local city and county governments.

For VA updates and the latest emergency response information, call the MEDVAMC Emergency Information Hotline at (713) 794-8989 or 1-800-553-2278, ext. 8989.

If you have a life-threatening emergency, immediately call 911.  Veterans who need medical advice should call the VA Network Telecare Center Hotline at (713) 794-8985 or toll-free 1-800-639-5137. Registered nurses, pharmacists, and administrative clerks at the VA Network Telecare Center are ready to answer veteran health care questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The VA Network Telecare Center is not for life-threatening emergencies.