September 15, 2005 DHH Coordinates Disaster Pharmacy Services for Hurricane Katrina Victims

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sep 15, 2005 -

Baton Rouge – Health care organizations providing medical care for Hurricane Katrina evacuees are eligible for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies through a new system established by the Louisiana Department of Health to collect and distribute donations.

All requests for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals will be received by the Department of Health and Hospitals’ Office of Public Health.  Eligible entities, including special needs shelters, red cross shelters, federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics, can call 1-866-334-9587 or (225) 922-2032 to place orders supplies and medications.  Requests for vaccines and tetanus should be faxed to Phil McCrory with the Office of Public Health’s Immunization Program at (225) 763-5730.

In addition to these services, a number of major pharmacy chains are working with the state to establish free pharmacy services at shelter sites.  Shelter sites can apply for mobile pharmacy services by contacting Tracie Ingram at tingram@dhh.la.gov or by calling the pharmacy services hotline at 1-866-334-9587 or (225) 922-2032.  Currently, over 200 shelter sites in Louisiana are receiving pharmacy services for uninsured Hurricane Katrina victims through these mobile pharmacy resources.

Uninsured evacuees living outside of established shelters should contact their local retail pharmacy, as many retail pharmacies in Louisiana have established pharmacy assistance programs to help those who have been displaced.

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