Putting Health First in a Time of Crisis

“For survivors, access to quality medicines and health care can change a life. So we will keep working around the clock to ensure that our disaster relief reaches the people who need it now. And we will be there to help them as they begin to rebuild their lives.” Kate Dischino, emergency response manager, AmeriCares. Amber Kriesel knew she had to act fast. Sixteen minutes after the emergency sirens sounded in Moore, Oklahoma, a monstrous tornado touched down. With no time to escape, Amber scrambled frantically to get her three young girls, aged 4-6 into a bathtub, where they hunkered underneath a mattress. When the tornado struck, the entire house crashed down on top of them. Amber’s husband, Nathan rushed home from work, and as he dug through the rubble, Amber and the children emerged alive and unhurt. Everything else they owned lay in ruins around them.They set out trying to salvage what they could. AmeriCares Emergency Response Manager Kate Dischino met Amber and Nathan, along with other family members and neighbors, two days later as they searched through the wreckage of their home.They shared a happy moment: Kate discovered an old photo of Amber when she was a child. This precious, irreplaceable childhood photo gives the family a chance to rejoice in the small things. But larger issues lay ahead.

As residents like the Kriesels dig through rubble for their belongings, they face an increased risk for tetanus. One of our first emergency shipments after the tornado struck included tetanus vaccine to our partner clinic, Community Health Centers in Oklahoma – ensuring that they have enough vaccine on hand to protect families & first responders. So many families lost everything to the tornadoes: their homes, cars, belongings — and access to health services. The storm laid waste to hundreds of houses and other buildings in Moore, including Moore Medical Center, located across the street from the Kriesel’s home. Our Emergency Response team is providing ongoing shipments of critical medicines and supplies to help meet immediate health and medical needs, and we will work with our health care partners to address disruptions to the health care system. Our partners in the area include Baptist Mission Center, Community Health Centers, Inc, Crossings Community Clinic, and Lighthouse Medical Ministries.“For survivors, access to quality medicines and health care can change a life,” Kate explained. “So we will keep working around the clock to ensure that our disaster relief reaches the people who need it now. And we will be there to help them as they begin to rebuild their lives.”