Helping Hurricane Victims: 4 Ways to Help Our Fellow Citizens Affected by Harvey & Irma by Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP

Hurricane Irma’s devastation has yet to be fully measured and Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts are still ongoing. With so much at stake for so many, it’s important we find ways to do our part recognizing many of our fellow citizens are without access to health care and other basic needs. Here are some ways you can help:

• Volunteer: Florida Gov. Rick Scott said the state needs at least 1,000 more nurses, including NPs, to help in disaster shelters. Learn more about where and how to volunteer at VolunteerFlorida.org.
• Donate: Gov. Scott has asked people to donate to the Florida Disaster Fund to assist with Irma relief. The fund is Florida’s official private fund established to aid communities with disaster recovery, and your tax-deductible donation will support response and recovery operations after Hurricane Irma.
• Give Blood: There may not be a catastrophic number of injuries, but blood banks in Texas, Florida and elsewhere are predicting a shortage in supply. The American Red Cross and LifeSouth are good resources to learn more.
• Put Someone Up: If you own a rental property, Airbnb is looking for people who will host displaced families for free.

Photo: Business Insider