Dean Kathryn Tart sent us an update on how Hurricane Harvey affected nursing students and faculty; and how we can help
We asked the Dean from University of Houston, Sugar Land, how we could help nursing recover after the Hurricane hit Houston, and she sent us this reply:
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Dear Sandy,
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Our building at the University of Houston Sugar Land had minor damages and we are totally functional. However, many of our students were impacted from losing everything from homes, cars, books, cell phones, computers, uniforms, stethoscopes. Some students are displaced because of flood waters. None of our students lost their life however, we did have a student who lost family members in the flood waters. A number of students had family members who were medically dependent and had to evacuate or the students were unable to reach the dependent family members until the water subsided. Students have spent up to 3 hours driving to class because of flooding and road closures. This is increasing their fuel costs.
Faculty and staff had to deal with similar issues. One of our faculty members was rescued by boat. It was heartbreaking to see the pictures of her husband writing the children’s names on their arms in case they were separated. Luckily they are safe and back home.
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Many of our students and faculty are volunteering at the shelters in Fort Bend, the George R. Brown convention center and NRG stadium. Many students and some faculty were in lock-down mode at hospitals for up to 7 days taking care of hospitalized patients. Everyone is exhausted.
However, we feel fortunate and blessed to have weathered the storm. We are so worried about our colleagues in Florida and hope they prepare to weather this next hurricane.
We have “Friends of Nursing” account that we have had established for some time. We use these funds to help students with emergency scholarships and identified needs. For those students who have lost textbooks and equipment we have purchased them. We have also informed students of the scholarship and of UH scholarships. 100% of all donations received will have a direct impact on students for tuition, living, food, books, equipment or transportation. The gift, in any amount, can be directed to the School of Nursing with a selected designation of “Friends of Nursing”: https://giving.uh.edu/gift/
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You may certainly share this information with your colleagues. Thank you for reaching out to me – it means a lot.
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Sincerely,
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Kathryn Tart, EdD, MSN, RN
Founding Dean and Professor
University of Houston College of Nursing
14000 University Blvd
Sugar Land, TX 77479
CON Video
UH Gift Giving
www.uh.edu/nursing
http://www.uh.edu/human-resources/uh-careers/
kmtart@uh.edu
832.842.8218
NURSING. EXCELLENCE. PERIOD.
Previous message in response to how nurses could help:
On Aug 29, 2017, at 2:57 PM, Tart, Kathryn M <kmtart@Central.UH.EDU> wrote:
Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for your prayers and concerns over the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and his aftermath. Thank you for the out pouring of offers to volunteer from our deans and directors of nursing in Texas, friends across the nation and in Wales.
Here are two contacts and a google doc listing needs all over the greater Houston area.
All have immediate needs.
The point person for Fort Bend Public Health Department:
David Olinger: Cell – 832-473-2338
David.Olinger@fortbendcountytx.gov
EOC phone at HHS desk: 281-238-3486
They are standing up a Temporary Medical Site Tuesday in Rosenberg, TX. Patients will be transported to this site via EMS and will be triaged and medically managed (very short-term) until they can be transported to a hospital. As you may be aware, our major hospitals in this area: St. Luke’s – SL, Memorial Hermann – SL, OakBend Medical Center and Methodist – SL, are either closed (patients evacuated) or are on medical diversion due to high volume. Our MICU’s are challenged in locating hospitals that are accepting transports in the immediate area.
They would appreciate 16 students if possible, plus preceptors if available. This would break into 8 day / 8 night and they can house with EMS personnel at the Rosenberg Civic Center.
The point person for the City of Houston:
Angelina Esparza: 281-901-4711
Angelina.Esparza@houstontx.gov
Resource from UH Graduate College of Social Work:
The google document at the link below is a compilation of resources both for those impacted by the flooding and for those looking for opportunities to volunteer. It was compiled by one of the GCSW alumni, along with some students from Baylor College of Medicine. It is updated regularly as new opportunities arise.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TyvBONLhoCM2JweCXWiij08OcGENg8FdhJGcWke2KO4/edit
Please contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of help.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Tart (’99), EdD, MSN, RN
Founding Dean and Professor
UH College of Nursing