Hurricane Idalia: Project HOPE Deploying Assessment Team

As Hurricane Idalia continues to move through Florida as a strong Category 3 hurricane, Project HOPE is deploying an assessment team to the affected regions to understand where the greatest needs are.

We are continuing to monitor Idalia’s path as it moves toward Georgia and South Carolina, and are prepared to respond, as needed.

Arlan Fuller, Project HOPE’s Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response said:  

“While there has been significant emergency preparation for Hurricane Idalia, we know from experience responding to disasters of this nature that those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes are migrant and rural communities and people who are over the age of 65, living with disabilities, and/or experiencing poverty. We can expect to see that some communities will remain cut off from health access longer than others, and that some may avoid seeking state or federal support due to mistrust or misconceptions. Project HOPE will be assessing the needs on the ground and is prepared to fill any gaps so that the communities that are most vulnerable to hurricanes get the help they need.”  

Project HOPE’s emergency response team is coordinating with the Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters partners and the State Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, as well as our local partners to get up-to-date information. Project HOPE is prepared to support local health systems and partners to fill in gaps related to medical and mental health needs, as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene, particularly for historically marginalized communities. 

In response to Hurricane Ian last year, Project HOPE provided surge staffing, psychological first aid, medical support, much-needed supplies within shelters and health clinics to ensure that the most historically marginalized communities had access to the help and care they needed.  

Project HOPE will continue monitoring Hurricane Idalia’s path, assessing needs, and will be prepared to respond, as needed. To schedule an interview, please contact media@projecthope.org.  

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About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a leading global health and humanitarian organization operating in more than 25 countries around the world. We work side-by-side with local health systems to save lives and improve health. Our mission is at the epicenter of today’s greatest health challenges, including infectious and chronic diseases, disasters and health crises, maternal, neonatal and child health and the policies that impact how health care is delivered. For more information on Project HOPE and its work around the world, visit www.ProjectHOPE.org and follow us on Twitter @ProjectHOPEorg.