The Joplin Tornado Tragedy: a firsthand account from Access Family Care
Posted on Tuesday, May 31st, 2011 at 8:25 am
The below is a firsthand account from Access Family Care Executive Director, Don McBride, who is communicating with us from the heart of the Joplin, MO, tornado relief efforts. We wanted to share these accounts and will be bringing them to you daily, here on the MPCA website.
*****May 29*****
The fatality total for the Joplin tornado was raised to 142. Our senior dentist, Dr. Leland McCall, was called to Joplin to assist in identifying the remains of one of our dental patients. That’s tough, but he said doing so would help bring closure for an anxious family. It’s tough.
Ten Joplin private dental practices were destroyed. I don’t know how many medical offices were destroyed—I haven’t read a paper in days. All I know is what I get from the EOC or from KCRG Radio in Joplin. KCRG has been doing the most awesome service to the community and they are literally ministering to hurting people. They are streaming live on the internet for anyone who wants to join in. We had more shipments come in of donated items. Fifty boxes of Igloo coolers came in from AmeriCares. These are very nice and we got some out into the field immediately.
When I entered into the Joplin clinic, Dr. Charles Bentlage, our Medical Director, was treating someone wounded by his work in removing debris. Estimates were that he had given over 150 tetanus vaccinations by noon just on Saturday.
Site Supervisor Darlene Sarley took another group out to do outreach in the disaster area. I can’t describe how it makes me feel to see staff serving from the heart and making a difference in people’s lives. This is what it’s all about.
Neosho Pharmacist Tim Mitchell set up a pharmacy for us in our Joplin clinic. These are all donated medicines mostly from AmeriCares and Direct Relief dedicated to folks who lost their medicines in the tornado. Tim is donating his and his staff’s time to dispense and they are working through the holiday weekend to do so.
Death and Destruction are impressive fellows who have a way of pulling and wearing one down. I’ve not been part of the search and rescue so I can only imagine how much more they pull and wear on those who are out there literally digging. My brother-in-law, Sonny, is doing that. I’m proud of him. He’s veteran of the Gulf War and has done police work all his life. He’s been battled and he’s scared from all he’s seen, but he’s driven to serve.
The sight of the devastation, smelling the old musty odor of houses all opened up along a street, hearing tearful and shaky voices announcing missing family on the radio, and hearing the death count rise daily—all of these things pull and wear down.
I felt myself begin to yield to brokenness a few times during the week, but I always told myself, “Not now, this isn’t the time.” I was looking forward to Saturday night—our weekly corporate prayer night. I felt myself well up several times on Saturday, but each time I managed to push it back. But when I finally released, it didn’t take long at all. The tears flowed freely, and I heaved a few times, then it was over. But what happened after that was more remarkable. I laid everything I believed in, all my values, what I thought about life, my view of God—I laid it all on an exam table—all naked and exposed. I sat on one side of the table and God on the other. I asked Him if I needed to change anything. “Do I need to change how I look at things and do things?” He didn’t say a thing. His answer came in putting me back together. Everything I laid out on the exam table was cleansed and then put back in. I felt better.
I initially felt guilty about laughing, but a shared, hilarious experience that Jessica, my daughter, and I had had a year or so ago in a flea market in Van Buren, Arkansas brought deep cleansing laughter. It felt good. The Bible says that a merry heart is like a medicine. The time after prayer with my homies brought restoration and positive perspective. I’m thankful for close friends.
I’m not a nerdy geek type, but when I got word Saturday afternoon from our IT provider David Endicott of Neotech Solutions, that our internet was back up I really felt another big burden lift. Now our rural clinics would have access to the electronic medical record and wouldn’t have to do temporary paper charting. No one ever complained—but I know there is a lot of extra work involved with this and the challenge of limited charts is tough for the providers, so I rejoiced that we had this back. It also moved us closer to normalcy which will help all of us in the long run.
Today is Sunday. Today our mother church, Abundant Life, will spend the afternoon in Joplin helping the Convoy of Hope. There are 9,000 visitors helping with the disaster in Joplin htis weekend, President Obama is coming to Joplin, the memorial service takes place today along with the time of silence in honor of those who lost their lives, and the crazy Westboro people said they would be here protesting. It’s going to be a memorable Sunday.
I took a bike ride this morning; the first since before the tornado. As I mounted my bike, I remembered the little dog from last week. He ran with me for over five-miles! I’ve had dogs chase me for short sprints, but this little dog amazed me. He literally ran with me. There were several times I thought I had out-ridden him. I would look and he would be so far back I couldn’t see him, but when I would hit a hill and get to the top, I could hear that click-click sound of his nails hitting the pavement. I would look down and there he would be, smiling, running, and panting.
A couple of times I stopped to give him a rest and even offered him water. I named him Trek after my bike. I have nick names for lots of things along my bike routes.
I decided I would try to bring Trek in on the full route hoping to get him back home, but when we got to the highway, I lost him. I waited for a long time for him to show, but he didn’t. I later stopped at a couple of houses and asked folks if they were missing a dog. I went home a little worried about him, then the tornado came and I totally forgot Trek until I got on the bike today.
After I crossed the highway, a dog came out barking and running with me. It was Trek! He did find his way back home, and here he was ready for another run with me. I tried three times to chase him back, but he wouldn’t have it. This dog is relentless. That’s when I decided to rename him Joplin. Joplin won’t relent—it’s in this for the long run.
I tried to outrun him again. He disappeared, but then I heard the click-click of his nails hitting the pavement. I look down and he looked up smiling and panting. Then I lost him again—He didn’t run with me as far. He was really gone this time. I must have lost him at the turn.
I continued on pedaling, thinking of Joplin—the city, the clinic, God, the wind, and my breathing, and that dog, Joplin. When I made the loop back around, there he was. He had overshot the turn I made; probably didn’t know I had turned. He was happy to see me, and he ran with me—panting and smiling. I was happy to see him. Joplin found his way back the first time and I knew he would again. I know Joplin, the city, will find its way back too.
*****May 28*****
Last night I was at the daily closing of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Joplin and I got to hear each department share their figures for the day. 12,000 Joplin residents were affected with 5,500 in the direct disaster area all with lost homes. 400 pets were rescued and over 100 were reunited with their owners. 4,000 tetanus vaccinations have been given out so far.
At the EOC, the Joplin Health Department Director, Dan Pekarek, announced that there will be a concern for mosquitoes with the anticipated rising temperatures and the standing water. He said that the city will begin overnight fogging beginning Tuesday. They are also putting together plans to manage the expected increase in rats and mice.
ACCESS’s COO Debra Davidson and Jasper County Health Department’s Tony Moehr were working hard all day on securing more tetanus vaccinations in anticipation for a deluge of workers over the holiday weekend. We are thankful for organizations such as Direct Relief and AmeriCares that have donated not only medicines but hygiene products and other items. These organizations are awesome and worthy of putting on anyone’s list for places to donate funds.
ACCESS Family Care is designated as the official repository and dispensary of donated medicines. These will go to victims who lost their medicines in the tornado. Tim Mitchell of Family Pharmacy of Neosho is donating his time and efforts to setting this up. Another blessing.
ACCESS Family Care staff worked all day receiving shipments and putting care packs together. They had several folding tables lined up in the unfinished area of our Joplin clinic and they actually placed medicines near the old grocery store pharmacy. None of us ever thought that we would ever have to do anything like this, but I’m so proud of everyone for how they have come together to make a difference.
And it’s not just putting supplies together that they are making a difference. Because of the disaster, our internet provider has been down and our rural clinics in Anderson and Cassville have had to resort to paper charting. Cassville Site Supervisor Christine Henderson shares this: “Would you please mention a tremendous “thank you” from the Cassville clinic to Rogelio, Aubrey, Tracy, and LaRaeda for their endless help and patience with faxing us patient records during our EMR down-time. We are very grateful and proud to be with Access! Thank you.” See what I mean? The work and extra effort of these folks is very important in the overall scheme of this disaster.
Executive Director for Missouri Primary Care Association, Joe Pierle, came down with staff and car loads of water, work gloves, financial donations from MPCA staff, and packaged food from Community Health Center of Central Missouri. I toured them around the disaster area and they were speechless, amazed, astounded—there are no words that can describe the devastation. To give it some perspective, a friend’s insurance agent came in from Tuscaloosa, Alabama and said that Tuscaloosa was very bad but this surpasses the damage there tremendously. I don’t want to minimize what Tuscaloosa went through. He heard numbers on the damage estimated at $5 billion for Joplin. Katrina, which had widespread damage along the Gulf, was $9 billion. These are just numbers; they may or may not be accurate, but they might help with perspective.
Rumors are official now. Structural engineers have determined that St. John’s is unsafe after having shifted 4 inches from the EF5 Tornado. Click here for a St. John’s ER doctor’s personal story about going through the tornado in the hospital.
The damage immediately east of St. John’s hospital along 26th Street is especially noteworthy. There is nothing, absolutely nothing standing—not a house, not a church, not a dental practice, and cars are wadded up like paper. How the fatalities are only at 132 can only be attributed to the grace of God. Click here for satellite pictures of the tornado’s tracking across Joplin. You can move the map were you want and view the damage by sliding the damaged view over it.
Dr. Ian McCaslin, Director of MO HealthNet Division, is in Joplin until Sunday. He came by and visited the Joplin clinic again. He’s been working in the field helping remove debris and staying in a tent. Here is the Director of Medicaid for the State of Missouri, living in a tent and slinging debris. Awesome. This is the attitude and behavior I’m seeing everywhere. Everyone wants to help and they are finding ways to do so. Another simple illustration of this is demonstrated through our mechanic. The water pump went out in our truck and he told Shirley he would have it ready today so we could haul supplies up to Joplin. Everyone is trying to find what they can do.
Someone from West Plains, Missouri donated a car to our single mom, Laura, and is bringing it Sunday. Our 97-year old lady that Darlene was privileged to minister to and help, made the news yesterday—not just local, but national! She’s already in her new home. Out of the disaster we are finding stories that encourage us and strengthen us and empower us to keep going enabling us to find more such stories.
*****May 27*****
Today is the 6th day since the deadly tornado struck Joplin, Missouri. Yesterday was the best weather day we’ve had and the only one so far without any rain, but today promises rain in the afternoon.
Our health center’s Board of Directors met last night and Board President, Dr. Al Chapman, expressed his and the board’s deep appreciation and gratitude to all employees of ACCESS Family Care for their response and hard work during this disaster. Two board members weren’t able to attend since they were still without electricity.
I’ve centered my reports so much on Joplin, but I need to express my deep appreciation for our dental practices and our medical clinics in Anderson and Cassville. They have kept on ticking without missing a beat and have even freed up staff to help with disaster assistance. Thank you team! You are making a difference and helping us through all of this.
Employees representing all our clinics participated in tornado relief outreach yesterday all day by cooking and handing out hamburgers and hotdogs to displaced victims, workers, and officers working the disaster. Darlene Sarley, nurse and Site Supervisor of our Joplin medical clinic sent this text to me:
I want to thank you for allowing us to be out in the midst of the devastation. It has been the most humbling experience I have ever done. Several of us held hands and said a prayer before we began our work. We have heard many sad stories but so many thank God for their lives. We met a 97 year old lady today who would not leave her home and our team talked her to going to the clinic to get care. I will send you a picture of her home. (Today’s featured photo is the remains of her home -without the roof, not sure how she managed to stay here with the almost daily rain).
“Together we will rise stronger than ever. God bless Joplin, Missouri,” stated Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. He’s waived driver’s license fees, car tag fees, and other such fees for tornado victims. He also had a ceremony where he swore in all visiting assisting officers and declared them Joplin police officers. Governor Nixon has been in Joplin daily. Our Senators and Congressman are all working hard to pave away for relief and to quicken recovery.
Dr. Ian McCaslin, Director of MO HelathNet Division, called and visited with me by phone and then paid our Joplin clinic a visit thanking everyone for their hard work and support. Joe Pierle, Executive Director of Missouri Primary Care, has been in daily contact and is coming today with a load of items. He said Alan Stevens, Executive Director of Community Health Center of Central Missouri, has loaded Joe down with supplies coming today.
Finance Director Sheila Long has been working on arranging employee assistance and setting up funds for employees impacted by the EF5 tornado. Four have lost their homes. Sheila and other finance department staff attended the state’s FEMA meeting yesterday afternoon.
Laura, our single mom of seven children was whisked away from the mass shelter and she is now staying with another one of our single moms, Melissa, in Neosho. Fortunately we have lots of unfinished space in our Joplin clinic and we are using it for our employees to place what they have scavenged from the rubble of their homes. Funds are coming in designated for our patients and employees who have lost their homes. Our homepage has information on where to send donations for this.
Since the internet provider is still down we haven’t been able to enter charges. Today we are shifting staff from the other clinics to come to Joplin so they can enter in charges all day for month’s end filing so we can pay bills. Staff will also be working in the warehouse arranging donated supplies and preparing them for delivery to tornado victims.
Our other Joplin clinic site, located in the Ozark Center, was destroyed. Staff dug through the rubble to retrieve what they could. When we first started a clinic in Joplin several years ago, we were located in the Professional Center across from St. John’s. We eventually grew and expanded into three different buildings there. All of that is gone now. I’m so thankful we moved two years ago to our current location. I don’t even want to think about having to deal with a destroyed clinic practice.
Even in this disaster, with so much devastation, pain, and suffering, there are yet things for which to be thankful. I’m especially thankful for fellow Missourians and for the great country in which we live. We are a generous, giving people who act to make a difference when devastation comes to others. Thank you!
*****May 26*****
Yesterday we received word that our clinic in the Ozark Center was destroyed. Today I’ll contact our project officer to begin the deactivation process. This clinic was part of a state-initiative to cohabitate behavior health with primary care medicine. We placed a primary care provider in the Ozark Center’s behavioral health setting and they placed a behavioral health consultant in our clinic.
In visiting with my mom by phone yesterday I was able to give the devastation some perspective for her. You see, I spent most of my growing up years in Joplin so our family knows how to get around there quite well. When I told her you could stand behind where Wal-Mart used to be and clearly see St. John’s, she went silent, and then finally she uttered, “Oh my.” That means that every building, every tree, everything was mowed down in order to provide a clear view over a distance of about 4 miles.
Mercy St. John’s has structural engineers in evaluating the safety of the seven-story hospital and the soundness of it to use again. Staff members that were inside when the EF5 tornado hit reported they felt the building shift. Several doctor’s offices were destroyed as well as 6-7 dental offices.
ACCESS Family Care staff set up portable tent-awnings near Joplin High School at 20th and Indiana to grill dogs and burgers and distribute care packs and water. The city is still under a water-boil order.
We also set up there to provide free tetanus vaccinations. Yesterday, Joplin was scrambling to locate more tetanus vaccines. Officials lifted restrictions allowing residents back into the “war-zone” to sift through their belongings and begin clean up. Already we are seeing increases in puncture wounds so the demand for tetanus vaccinations is increasing. ACCESS COO Debra Davidson distributed remaining vaccinations among the various vaccination sites in the field. The Newton County Health Department was set up in the filed providing vaccinations assisting Jasper County with the immense need.
The Joplin school district suffered the destruction of four school buildings including the high school, the technology center, and two elementary schools. One thing I’ve learned in this—even a solid brick building doesn’t stand a chance in an EF5 tornado. From where we were near the high school, it looks as if everything south from there is gone. Even an older brick church near the high school was folded in as if it were built with straw. Cars and even SUVs are crushed up like accordions.
Although the day was peppered with light rain and strong winds and the middle section of Missouri dealt with more tornado touchdowns, today was the longest day without weather interruption in Joplin where folks could really work the disaster.
A representative from AmeriCares was with us for a while helping to arrange disaster relief medications, emergency supplies and hygiene items to be delivered. Direct Relief International has also been a tremendous blessing providing donated medicines, supplies and finances. Both of these organizations receive donations and are worthy organizations to contribute to help bring relief to disaster stricken people worldwide.
Our information technology component is back up and running, although our internet provider is still down and may be down for weeks. IT personnel are looking to negotiate with AT&T to get internet access up sooner, but the service won’t be as fast as what we were accustomed to before the tornado; but slower is better than nothing. This affects all our clinics because the servers are housed in Joplin. So far, over a period of 14 months, we have experienced IT disaster recovery two times and we don’t even have an elaborate, written IT disaster plan. The first time was due to a fire and we lost a day’s worth of data, but this time we lost nothing and if it weren’t for the internet provider being down, we would have been fully functional with our EMR just a day after this destructive tornado. I appreciate everyone’s patience with adjusting processes until we can get this back in operation. I’ve heard no complaints even though I know the frustrations have to be there.
Four of our employees lost their homes and have found temporary housing with families. One employee, Laura, a single mom of seven, had been staying at the mass shelter until other staff members found her and began bringing her assistance. For anyone interested in donating to the Joplin Tornado Relief, we’ve set up an account to help our patients and employees who suffered as a result of the deadly tornado. Information on that can be found on our homepage.
We are also using our Facebook Page, accessible from our website, to post pictures, updates, and other information related to the tornado relief and response.
The press conference yesterday by the city manager indicated that the operation will move into recovery now.
After work yesterday, Sarah, one of our dental department employees, headed up to Joplin to volunteer. She found a thousand dollars cash bundled up in the lot where she parked her car and even though money is very tight for her right now, she and her daughter spent the evening tracking down the rightful owners; an elderly couple who lost their house, and returned the money. That’s just one positive story of many.
I talked to my brother-in-law yesterday. He’s an ICE agent called in to help, like so many officers. Although we are both in Joplin working in response to the tornado, we haven’t had a chance to meet up. He told me he found three live people the other day. He was elated. So am I.
Dr. Porte, our Internal Medicine doctor in Joplin, collapsed yesterday and was transported by ambulance. She is resting comfortably now. Cassville’s Family Nurse Practitioner Dr. Cheryl Dalton was in Joplin to volunteer with the outreach jumped right in to cover for Dr. Porte seeing patients all day. As soon as I saw Dr. Dalton, I gave her a hug and she just said, “I’m just here to help any way I can.” It was such a blessing that she was there and our patients didn’t have to be turned away.
I’m telling you; I work with a great bunch of people. They are committed to serve the under-served and driven to make a difference in people’s lives. That’s what it’s going to take to make it through this disaster.
*****May 25*****
SEMO Health Net CEO Cheryl White brought supplies, a generator, and staff and they whipped us into shape for disaster outreach. Cheryl has had lots of experience with this in managing disasters from tornados and floods. They gave our staff some guidance, suggestions, and resource contacts so we could put together an outreach to the disaster victims. They were a tremendous blessing to us.
The day began sunny and promising. We needed relief from the incessant rain, but even with that there was on all of us the heaviness of the prediction of another powerful storm coming later. We heard the warnings all day to get things done because another one was coming. The city tested the tornado sirens while it was sunny in preparation for the night storms and found a couple systems that didn’t work. They got one fixed and planned to resort to police making loud-speaker warnings if needed.
Senators Blunt and McCaskill and Congressman Long all visited the EOC midday and I had opportunity to greet and visit with each of them. Congressman Long told me the view on the ground is bad, but it’s overwhelming from a helicopter. Senator Blunt asked several questions of me. These elected officials are deeply concerned and engaged in the efforts and for the need in Joplin.
Staff spent the remainder of the day preparing care bags with personnel hygiene items for distribution the next day and serving patients as they came in. Everyone has a tornado story because they were either directly affected or were close to someone who was affected.
We received news that the Missouri Foundation for Health was sending a check for $25,000 for relief efforts. Staff worked on plans to distribute the care packs and purchased dogs and burgers to grill for victims and rescue workers.
Bad news came later in the day when the fatality number was raised to 122 and by the time they announced it at the press conference, it had risen a few more. They announced over 400 were injured. It’s amazing that the numbers aren’t higher, thankfully. The tornado rating was raised from EF4 to EF5, the highest, after examination of the destruction disclosed evidence of winds of over 200 mph. One rumor that I heard from two distinct sources estimates the missing at 1,500. Most of those are probably with family or friends, we hope.
Good news came in the announcement that more survivors were uncovered in the Home Depot debris. That was a huge encouragement to the rescue workers.
With help from MPCA, we’ve established an account for donations called the Joplin Tornado Relief Fund to benefit our patients and staff who were affected by the disaster. We have displaced employees and one is a single mom of seven children. She’s staying at the mass shelter at MSSU and is in contact with my assistant Joy. I hope to get over to MSSU today to talk to her.
I have to take some space here and really honor our COO, Dr. Debra Davidson. She has been an integral part of the EOC during all of this starting Sunday night when the tornado hit. She and an employee from St. John’s have been coordinating care via walkie-talkies during all of this. Whenever I’m there I’m continually impressed with what she is doing and the whole well-organized EOC effort.
I noticed cell phone usage was improved yesterday. That’s a blessing.
We are seeing an increase in puncture wounds at the clinic due to clean up and people sifting for personal belongings. We are providing lots of tetanus shots.
Tuesday night is normally our extended-hours night, but with the approaching storm we shut down just after 5:00 to give staff a chance to get home to their families. Nervousness was high as we heard of the destruction near El Reno, Oklahoma before we left the clinic. Last night, several funnels were sited in and around Joplin. Joplin sirens sounded a couple of times. I can only imagine how that affected everyone, but the storm blew past us—definite answer to prayer. Everyone has been running on limited sleep and another crazy night of disrupted sleep was the last thing everyone needed.
There is a lot more rain in the forecast. That will hinder search and rescue efforts and efforts to bring food and supplies to the tornado victims—an extra challenge to overcome.
Water pressure challenges have plagued the efforts in Joplin. Because so many lines are exposed and water is escaping, the pressure is down and the whole city is on a boil alert. Fire pump trucks are bringing water to Freeman Hospital.
We met with Convoy of Hope who are here to bring relief. This is an outstanding organization using almost all trained volunteers. We learned that MSSU has stopped receiving clothing donations being overwhelmed by that. There are more volunteers than things to do, and they recommend that folks wanting to volunteer who live more than an hour’s distance should remain home for now. This will be a long term recovery effort and help later will be needed.
Many churches have opened their doors as shelters and they are taking care of folks. It’s been awesome.
I want to thank everyone for their encouraging words and offers of support. MPCA CEO Joe Pierle stated he felt frustrated with wanting to help more and I think most people are feeling that. There is just something in our American DNA that urges us to respond, help, and make a difference. These are the times when you are proud to be an American, where it doesn’t matter what “religion” you are or to what political party you belong—you are here to help make a difference. Thanks.
*****May 24*****
Yesterday was a long, hard day for everyone. Adding to the difficulty of the day has been the intermittent and sometimes only sporadic cell phone and texting capabilities which challenge communications tremendously.
The Joplin clinic site began today with a tornado warning which resulted in putting all staff and patients in the designated safe area until the storm could pass. This added a lot of stress to an already stressful and tired crew.
The rain has been relentless. Creeks and rivers are rising, causing flooding situations. A flood emergency was declared in Seneca and people were evacuated. I had to take four detours in Neosho to make it to my destination. The rain seems to be unmerciful and is hindering search and rescue efforts. We’ve gotten 16.5 inches of rain over the last 24 hours!
Most of our scheduled patients in both the dental and medical practice didn’t keep their appointments. Unscheduled wounded patients came few at a time. Our staffing was such that we could have handled more. Not sure what the deal is, but reports from those inside the “war-zone” say that many are staying and refusing to leave their damaged homes for fear of looting or the fact that many have lost their automobiles to the storm and have no way to move about.
COO Dr. Debra Davidson has been at the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) for most of the day and I spent my time near internet and fielding calls and then between the clinic and the EOC. Debra is very complementary about MPCA’s support especially Janice Pirner. SEMO CEO Cheryl White is leading a group over today to deliver much needed tetanus and other supplies. We’ve received calls of readiness to support from other health centers. It’s great to be part of this CHC family.
A mass shelter is situated at MSSU where the Red Cross is coordinating the efforts to provide shelter, food, water, and clothing for those in need. Memorial Hall continues to be the triage site.
We have four staff members whose houses were destroyed. All have found refuge with family. CFO Sheila Long and Human Resources Director Karen Bearfield will work tomorrow on developing an emergency employee assistance program for them. Many of our other staff had relatives who lost their homes and feel compelled to be with their families.
Reports from those who have been in the field say they have never ever seen such devastation. Many are overwhelmed. Those areas are well guarded. Many are still without electricity and many traffic lights are not yet functioning. Every place I’ve been I’ve heard people discussing seeing body bags. I just found out late last night that my brother-in-law, an ICE agent, was part of search and rescue. He said he’s served in wars and never seen anything like this. They managed to move one wall of the demolished 15th Street Wal-Mart and found 24 bodies underneath. He said they have more walls to go. The official fatality toll as of last night is 116. That is expected to rise.
St. John’s Hospital is working on placing a DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team) which may include emergency hospital tents and a surgical hospital. Freeman, on its own, isn’t able to keep up with the demand.
St. John’s Hospital is also bringing in structural engineers to determine the viability of keeping the current hospital structure. The impact on that hospital is astounding. Hospital beds were found a mile away.
As soon as the rain ceases (please!) we anticipate many more injuries related to clean up. The weather prediction for today is disheartening—more severe weather predicted.
Our information technology piece is resourced out to Neotch Solutions. They were severely damaged, but none of our servers suffered the same damage. They were located in a reinforced portion of the building. Neotech has made the transition of moving their operations into our Joplin clinic and they are working over the night to restore connectivity. The only issue will then be Internet access because our provider is offline. We are using good old fashioned paper charts to document visits.
The messages of prayer support and words of encouragement just knowing folks are out there ready to help and support is all very encouraging. We know people are praying, churches are responding by opening their doors for shelter use and they are actively engaged in helping victims with their immediate needs. Joplin covets your prayers.
*****May 23*****
A news conference by the Joplin City Manager at 5:30 AM today announced that there are 89 confirmed deaths. I think most of us believe that will rise substantially. They say that 25-30% of Joplin is severely damaged.
I express my appreciation to Dr. Bentlage, Dr. Prater, Dr. Jumper, and PNP Rebecca Hales, and FNP Judith LeWallen for crossing flooded streams to make it in to the Joplin Clinic last night to see patients referred from the triage area set up at Joplin’s Memorial Hall. Special thanks to Site Supervisor Darlene Sarley and Facilities Manager Gary Bridges for making it as well to initiate disaster procedures. Several support staff members worked hard last night along with volunteers from other organizations including a couple of student doctors from Kansas City. Dr. Davidson has been working closely with Incident Command set up at City Hall. Thanks to everyone, and I apologize if I failed to mention everyone.
Even with phones down and limited cell access causing communication challenges, everyone did fantastic meeting patient needs and just doing what needed to be done. I’m proud of everyone.
As we begin today, we learn that people are still trapped in structures, lots of emergency personnel from the area are in Joplin working hard through the night and will continue to do so. Search and rescue is still in full force, St. John’s hospital is closed.
As I understand it at this writing, none of our employees have been harmed, except three have lost their homes. Please keep these folks and their families in your thoughts and prayers. We’ll keep you updated on any changes to that. Email system is down.
Fortunately, the Joplin Clinic at 503 Maiden Lane is totally intact, has electricity, and is operational. Joplin is under a water boil order which will necessitate adjustments in serving patients.
Neotech Solutions, our IT provider, was struck and damaged. They are trying to do an equipment recovery and will probably set up again in the Joplin Clinic. We will experience downed systems similar to what we experienced when they suffered fire. Please adjust for that.
We assume that our clinic at the Ozark Center is not operational. I don’t know at this time if the building even stands. I did hear on the radio last night that there would be no services at the Ozark Center.
This will be a stressful time for everyone. The devastation is immense. I ask everyone to be flexible as we weed through and respond to the community needs and try to do that with limited or fluctuating services to us. I’m sure that some staff won’t be able to travel for a while due to downed power lines and other obstacles.
Travel to Joplin is to be avoided to allow emergency personnel to move freely. To get to the Joplin Clinic, the best way is to either take highway 71 to 249 and exit at 7th Street or come in from Galena, Kansas via 400 from Interstate 44. Last night, both of those ways served us.
