Hurricane Irma’s Wake

Hurricane Irma was the most intense hurricane that has been documented in the Atlantic Ocean over the past decade. The massive 650 mile hurricane left a path of catastrophic destruction in it’s wake affecting millions of people in some shape or form. This is a very stressful time for many, but it is important to stay positive and look for the silver lining. It is also a time to come together and help others in need. The amazing West Orange community is doing just that by coming together to show that no storm is powerful enough to keep us down! People are banning together to help in the recovery effort to show that not only are we the healthiest community in the nation, we are also the most neighborly.

Recovery is still underway as many are just now returning home after evacuating for safety. Below is a list of helpful resources and announcements to be aware of as we continue recovery efforts.

YMCA Opens Their Doors

As of Friday 9/15 at 10am, the Oviedo, Downtown, Cocoa, Golden Triangle, Lake Nona, Osceola, Frank Deluca, Wayne Densch, Dr. P. Phillips, Avalon Park, J. Douglas Williams, Titusville, Suntree, Blanchard Park, Winter Park and Aquatic Center locations are open during normal operating hours for the entire community, welcoming anyone who would like a shower or just a place to gather, while all other locations remain closed until we can safely reopen.

Pharmacies

A list of open pharmacies throughout Florida.

Diabetes Supplies and Insulin Needs

If you have been affected by the hurricanes and need diabetes supplies, please contact one of our hotlines:

• For individual patients: Call 1-800-DIABETES, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET.
• For health care providers or clinics who need diabetes supplies to care for patients in affected areas: Call 1-314-INSULIN from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

Clinics, other health care facilities or individually licensed health care professionals needing insulin can also contact Americares at usemergency@americares.org.

Shelters

Florida’s Division of Emergency Management has information about shelters available by county. A live map of open shelters from the American Red Cross can be found here. You can also contact the American Red Cross directly at 1-800-733-2767.

Assistance for People with Disabilities

The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies has a hotline, 1-800-626-4949, to help people with disabilities and the elderly to safety and provide immediate needs of durable medical equipment and supplies. Additional information is available online here.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The NAMI HelpLine is a free service that provides information, referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. The HelpLine can be reached at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), Monday through Friday from 10 am–6 pm ET.

Download this helpful PDF for other additional resources in Florida.

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