Supporting the Elderly After Irma

HOPE’s disaster response team in Florida, including volunteer Dr. Kevin Blanton, a geriatric specialist, arrived in the southwest region of the state earlier this week to provide support at a shelter that is housing elderly residents and others with special needs after Irma.

Dr. Barton immediately got to work, easily integrating with shelter staff and the U.S. Public Health Service team. He is spending his days making rounds and addressing medical conditions, including dementia, as well as health and behavioral disorders and skin conditions. Dr. Blanton is also helping people manage chronic diseases exacerbated by stress and the loss of medications due to the monster storm.

“Health services at the shelter are running smoothly for the most part and there is a good, effective EMS service running where anyone requiring specialized medical intervention is taken to the hospital by ambulatory service,” said Chris Skopec, who leads HOPE’s Disaster Response Team in Florida. “But the elderly community is vulnerable in such a stressful situation after Irma and our team is here to help with that,” he said.

Thanks to your support, Dr. Blanton will continue serving affected patients in Florida to help those at the shelter transition back to their residences.