DaVita Prepares Thousands of Dialysis Patients for Hurricane Milton

Title: DaVita Activates Emergency Response Plan to Safeguard Dialysis Patients Ahead of Hurricane

As Hurricane Milton approaches the Florida coast, DaVita Kidney Care, a leading provider of kidney care services, has activated its emergency response plan to ensure the safety and continuity of treatment for thousands of dialysis patients in the state.

Understanding the Challenge

Hurricanes pose a unique threat to dialysis patients, who rely on regular treatment to sustain their lives. The disruption caused by severe weather conditions, such as power outages and evacuation orders, can be particularly challenging for these individuals. "Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment, and our patients face unique challenges during weather emergencies like Hurricane Milton," said Priya Sequeira, senior vice president at DaVita.

DaVita's Emergency Response Plan

DaVita’s emergency response plan is designed to proactively address these challenges. The plan involves several key steps to ensure that patients receive uninterrupted care:

• Pre-Storm Preparations: DaVita is proactively dialyzing thousands of patients ahead of the storm. This ensures that patients have access to treatment even if their regular centers are inaccessible.
• Patient Communication: DaVita is communicating evacuation information to patients and coordinating with other dialysis and healthcare providers. This helps in tracking where patients will be transferred and ensuring regular check-ins with local teams.
• Backup Plans: DaVita is providing patients with relevant medical information, including prescription instructions and dietary advice, in case they need to dialyze at a different center. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients have a backup plan in place for their treatment and medications.

Preparing Emergency Kits

For dialysis patients, having an emergency kit ready is crucial. This kit should include essential items such as:

• Emergency Phone Numbers: For doctors and dialysis centers, including alternate nearby centers.
• Medications: At least three days’ worth of any medicines needed, along with a list of medicines and dosage amounts.
• Diabetes Supplies: For patients with diabetes, a week’s worth of supplies (syringes, insulin, alcohol wipes, glucose monitoring strips).
• Food and Water: At least three days’ worth of emergency food and water.
• Other Essentials: Flashlights, chargers, and important papers.

Community Support

DaVita is not just preparing patients but also engaging with the broader community to ensure everyone’s safety. The company is working collaboratively with local healthcare providers and authorities to coordinate evacuation efforts and provide necessary assistance.

FEMA’s Role in Disaster Preparedness

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also stepped in to provide critical support during this time. FEMA offers various resources, including:

• Evacuation Assistance: For those in counties with evacuation orders, a shuttle system is available.
• Disaster Assistance Programs: Information on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities can be accessed in multiple languages.
• FEMA Mobile App: This app provides real-time weather alerts, helps in preparing for storms, and finds shelters nearby.

Community Preparedness Tips

While DaVita is taking proactive steps to safeguard its patients, community preparedness is equally important. Here are some tips for individuals preparing for a hurricane:

• Gather Emergency Supplies: Food, water, medications, flashlights, chargers, and important papers.
• Stay Informed: Follow local officials’ instructions and stay updated with weather reports.
• Prepare Your Home: Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds, and consider boarding up windows.
• Develop a Family Plan: Designate a meeting spot outside the home and make sure everyone knows the plan.

Conclusion

The preparation and response efforts by DaVita highlight the critical role that healthcare providers play in ensuring the well-being of patients during natural disasters. As Hurricane Milton approaches, it is clear that comprehensive planning and community engagement are essential for safeguarding the lives of thousands of dialysis patients in Florida.

By understanding the unique challenges faced by dialysis patients during severe weather events and by implementing robust emergency response plans, DaVita is setting a high standard for disaster preparedness in the healthcare sector.

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References:

• DaVita Guest Services: For dialysis patients affected by Hurricane Milton, please call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-244-0680. If you need emergency medical care, please dial 9-1-1.
• FEMA.gov: Access information about disaster assistance programs, emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities, and flood insurance in multiple languages.
• DaVita Prepares Thousands of Dialysis Patients for Hurricane Milton: DaVita Kidney Care has activated its emergency response plan in preparation for Hurricane Milton's landfall in Florida.