Hurricane Ian Healthcare Support
Sharp Index is partnering with Therapy Aid, Debriefing the Front Lines, and Capacity Path Relief to support the mental health of healthcare workers who were impacted by Hurricane Ian. Healthcare workers, first responders and victims of Hurricane Ian are suffering from:
Lack of running water. Incontinent patients are unable to be cleaned
Hospital staff cannot flush toilets and are defecating in trash bags
Supply shortage of soap and cleansing wipes creates a lack of sanitation
Personal loss of homes and belongings
Uncertainty about missing coworkers who, in an attempt to serve, did not evacuate
Cummulative trauma following the covid-19 pandemic
Lack of food for hospital employees during shift work
Expectation to care for others when their own basic needs are not met
Increasing emergency response and hospital admissions due to disaster cleanup accidents, yet hospitals are at capacity. This impacts community safety.
Lack of staffing and unsafe staffing ratios put both frontline workers and the public in danger
Witnessing horror firsthand, seeing bodies floating in canals
Many elderly with no mobility were trapped in senior apartments with no water or electricity
We are supporting three crisis counseling tents in southwest Florida, staffed with drop-in trauma therapists and crisis support. We intend to position these wellness tents within the Fort Myers and Punta Gorda area. One location will be at the makeshift field hospital, providing support to hospital employees.
By bringing in groups of fresh volunteer crisis counselors each week, we will mitigate potential for burnout and vicarious traumatization, while continuously providing support for victims and those on the frontlines of Hurricane Ian.
Our Needs:
Funding for travel and housing for healthcare volunteers.
Increased awareness of our work and our effforts
Transportation and supplies.
Our Amazon Wishlist includes items for front line workers.
Donations can be made here or on the Gofundme for Therapy Aid.
