Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Category 3 Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida’s Gulf Coast on Oct. 9 with torrential rains, storm surge and destructive winds. The storm also spawned deadly tornadoes across the state. The damage was widespread: Millions were left without power, floods inundated communities and winds ripped apart homes and businesses. Hurricane Milton is the third hurricane to make landfall on Florida’s west coast in just 13 months, and many communities were still recovering from previous storms when Milton swept across the state.
Americares response to Hurricane Milton included critically needed medicine and relief supplies as well as emergency funding to help partner organizations in Florida meet the health needs of survivors.
Americares emergency funding is helping one local health provider expand its hours of operation to manage the more than 6,000 appointments missed in the aftermath of the storm – forestalling what can be dangerous delays in medical care. And, for another local partner, the funding will expand mental health outreach and referral in communities that have not fully recovered from Hurricane Ian.
In advance of the storm, Americares reached out to 110 partners in Florida to offer assistance. One clinic had already requested relief supplies when Milton made landfall.
10/11/2024