FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2005
CONTACT: Communications Manager, John Pickens (727) 319-1128
Department of Veterans Affairs Important Information for Veterans and Employees
How do I find out about the condition of a family
member who is a patient at a VA medical center in the
affected area? All inpatients in the affected area
are being evacuated to nearby VA facilities. Families
will be contacted as soon as communications channels are
open.
I am a VA patient. I need a prescription refilled.
What should I do? Call the nearest open VA medical
center, tell them your prescription needs and explain
that you are unable to get a refill prescription because
of the hurricane. If at all possible, please bring your
empty bottles with you. Also, in order to receive care,
you will need to register at the new VAMC.
What if I ordered a prescription, but the post
office can’t deliver it because my home is damaged.
Contact the nearest open post office with your
forwarding address. Local post offices are holding
packages for up to 14 days for addresses affected by the
hurricane. Also, inform both the nearest open post
office and nearest open VAMC of your new or temporary
address.
Are drugs that I had with me during the flood safe
to use? Discard drugs – even those in their original
containers – if they came in contact with flood or
contaminated water. Contamination may lead to diseases
that can cause serious health effects.
I am a veteran who experienced the trauma of
Hurricane Katrina. I am shaken by the loss and
devastation and would like to talk with someone about
dealing with this event. Where can I call for
help? Contact the nearest open VA medical center,
VetCenter or County Veteran Service Office.
Counselors are available to help you through the trauma.
Who can I call about my compensation or pension
benefit checks? Call 1-800-827-1000.
Someone will be able to help you.
I am an employee who has evacuated from the
hurricane area. Where can I get information or
assistance? The toll free number for VA VHA
employees is 1-888-766-2474. This number is operational
7 days a week from 6 am to 10 pm central time. You may
also contact the nearest open VA facility who can assist
you and your family.
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