Upstream | November 12, 2012 | 16 comments

Doctors Without Borders on first US mission- Hurricane Sandy

source: http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Doctors_without_Border_on_first_US_mission_999.html

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JanforGore
The group Doctors Without Borders has aided victims of war and disease in countries like Sudan, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Now, they are on their first mission in the United States -- helping victims of Sandy, the megastorm that brought historic destruction to the New York metropolitan area.

By last Saturday, medical teams were on the ground in the Rockaways, a hard-hit section of Queens, as well as Staten Island, New Jersey and Brooklyn.

The doctors, nurses and medical students provide free medical evaluations to residents still without power, and help them fill and pick up prescriptions they might otherwise go without.

While noting the environment was "apples and oranges" compared to many of the locations Doctors Without Borders has worked, media relations manager Michael Goldfarb said there were gaps in health care after Sandy that the organization could address.

"There are real needs here and we're doing our best to try to meet them," he said. "There are vulnerable people here."

In Far Rockaway, where a crew of four doctors, one registered nurse, four medical students and several other volunteers were working from a makeshift clinic in the first-floor laundry room of an apartment building, police direct traffic because street lights have gone dark.

There are National Guard trucks on the streets, and litter left behind where floodwaters receded.

Gas rationing in New York City began Friday, with drivers only able to fill up on even or odd days depending on the number at the end of their license plate -- but that was of little use here.

At abandoned gas stations, cones and caution tape alerted motorists that they should move on.

Candice Humphrey, 28, lives in Brooklyn and never thought the first place she would work with Doctors Without Borders would be her own backyard.

A nurse practitioner who started training with the organization in September, Humphrey is awaiting her first placement overseas.

In Queens, she has provided home visit-type health care to residents in buildings such as one apartment complex that had no electricity and no running water above the fifth floor.

Some residents on upper floors "are essentially trapped," she said, particularly the elderly, and those with knee or back problems that make it impossible for them to walk up and down stairs.

"We are seeing a lot of people who are running out of their medications," Humphrey said. "People with diabetes, type 2, HIV, high cholesterol, other chronic health conditions that are not getting the medications that they normally would be taking because their supply chain has been broken."

Louis Nelson, the handyman for the building where the clinic is set up, has been walking up and down the stairs to fix broken drainpipes and other building issues and figured he'd stop by to have his blood pressure checked.

When New York University medical student Steffen Haider took his blood pressure and discovered it was high, Nelson said he would make an appointment with his doctor.

Power is still out in apartments, and he said he had seen people lining up for the clinic.

"I'm glad that my tenants here take advantage of it because they went through so much stress due to the hurricane," he said.

Shauvan Nichols stopped by with her 9-year-old niece, Soraya, hoping to pick up medications for her elderly mother, who has diabetes and lives on the 15th floor of Nichols' building across the street.

The power is still out, and her mother can't go up and down all those stairs.

"For people like them, it's good, because they're not walking around," Nichols said. "I think it's really good that the guys came over here just to help them."

Nikole Russell, 64, lives in the building where the clinic is set up and has been helping direct friends and neighbors to the clinic. She praised volunteers she'd seen walk up 20 flights of stairs -- more than once -- to tend to patients on that floor.

"Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, we love you, we thank you, we appreciate what you have done for all the tenants," Russell said. "And what you're about to do, because you've got to come back tomorrow, too."
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16 comments // Doctors Without Borders on first US mission- Hurricane Sandy

  • FirstSecurityServices
  • Leen61
  • Leen61
  • Hardytoo
    • +2
      Hardytoo  

    • Hat tip and a deep appreciation to the doctors and nurses of DWB.
      The magnitude of what has happened to those of us not in the vicinity, is only starting to be realized.
      I know in my soul that this is the beginning, not the end, of these powerful storms. All of the climate-indicators are telling us what climate scientists have been telling us for years; between regular cyclic changes in climate and the man-made damage of pumping immense clouds of C02 into our atmosphere, we are dooming ourselves to great suffering and continuous damage to our way of life. We all need to do our part, starting yesterday, to change our ways.
      And personally, I am deeply appreciative of the true humanity, real giving, of these caregivers. I am today making a donation to Doctors Without Borders.

    • 6 months ago
  • youngdebater
  • JanforGore
  • coolplanet
    • +1
      coolplanet  
    • JanforGore:

      Our #1 priority should be reducing greenhouse gasses while still providing people with energy to heat their homes and drive to work. I wish we could instantly switch to wind and solar but that will take at least a decade in the best case scenario.
      We should take some heart in the fact that this year the U.S. has reduced it's greenhouse emissions to 1992 levels while still drilling (according to the Sierra Club and President Obama). We should cheer this amazing accomplishment!
      Oil, gas and coal will be around for a long time to come. Like any narcotic we will have to ween ourselves from it.
      Yes I will continue protesting off-shore oil, the tar sands and fracking. But I'm no longer an idealist and can see no easy fix to this massive mess.
      People demand electricity and fuel as Sandy brutally reminded us.
      Progress is being made. That's the important thing.

    • 6 months ago
  • JanforGore
    • +1
      JanforGore  
    • coolplanet:

      This isn't about "idealism" this is about survival and Reality. And in case you forgot (which I'm sure you didn't) this is a global crisis. We don't have ten years because we wasted the last thirty.

      "The global economy now needs to cut carbon intensity by 5.1% every year from now to 2050"

      Based on this and the link above an "all of the above" energy policy that includes dirty tarsands AT ALL simply does not cut it and will only prolong the addiction. Obama and governments at all levels are going to have to be much bolder than business as usual now and it is possible. My son nor any of our children should have to look forward to this scenario and a Hurricane Sandy or worse happening every year as some "new normal" all because people will now lose their spines in order to placate their political partisanship.

    • 6 months ago
  • JanforGore
    • +4
      JanforGore  

    • IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
      Nov. 9, 2012

      CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION WORKING WITH STORM-AFFECTED COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO ENSURE SAFE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE DEBRIS REMOVAL
      (12/P142) TRENTON - The Christie Administration and the Department of Environmental Protection are taking a series of actions to ensure that the massive volume of debris and trash resulting from Hurricane Sandy is removed from storm-affected areas efficiently so affected communities can begin to recover from the storm's unprecedented and widespread devastation.
      "Many thousands of people suffered unimaginable property losses during the storm. The first tangible step toward getting their lives back to normal is the cleanup and removal of debris. Our first priority is getting storm debris off our streets and out of our neighborhoods so the difficult road to recovery can get under way."
      "Toward that end, the DEP is working closely with cities and towns, counties, the State Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Community Affairs, solid waste facilities, and haulers to implement a system that will move debris out of our storm-ravaged communities efficiently, safely and in an environmentally responsible manner that protects the health and welfare of our state."
      The DEP is taking steps to ensure that all municipalities, counties and haulers are able to utilize all available disposal and recycling capacity within and outside New Jersey. The DEP also is working to ensure sufficient numbers of trucks are available to haul the waste.
      The DEP is assigning staff to work with each storm-affected municipality one-on-one, serving as liaisons to help them work through any concerns, advise them on the availability of resources, and ensure the cleanup proceeds smoothly. Among their tasks will be to help municipalities work through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement process.
      Some municipalities have already begun the work of clearing debris from affected communities, using their own crews and equipment or hiring private contractors. The DEP is assisting them with these efforts while developing a system of local and regional staging areas to ensure debris moves smoothly as these efforts increase.
      Local staging areas will allow municipalities to get debris off the streets quickly, reducing health and safety concerns and improving access to these communities. Solid waste and recyclable materials will be separated at the regional staging areas and sent to appropriate facilities.
      Commissioner Martin stressed that DEP inspectors and local authorities will closely monitor storm debris removal to ensure the environment and public health are protected.
      "We are counting on full cooperation and compliance from everyone," Commissioner Martin said. "Activities such as illegal dumping, hauling without proper approval, and price-gouging will not be tolerated, and will be prosecuted swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law."
      Among the steps taken by the DEP to manage storm debris include:
      * Expediting the review of applications for local debris staging areas;
      * Engaging with municipalities and counties, as well as representatives of New Jersey's solid waste and recycling industries, to evaluate ongoing and anticipated solid waste and recycling demands to ensure there is sufficient capacity in the system to handle storm debris;
      * Issuing a directive allowing solid waste facilities and transfer stations to remain open 24/7 at least through Nov. 16, subject to further extensions;
      * Authorizing state, county and municipal entities and permitted solid waste facilities in the state to obtain temporary DEP registrations for commercial vehicles and equipment to be used in hauling storm waste;
      * Issuing a statewide enforcement alert noting that illegal dumping will be subject to mandatory fines and possible vehicle forfeiture. Illegal dumping may be reported to local police or the DEP's emergency hotline at 877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337). For questions during business hours, call the DEP at 609-292-6305;
      * Working to ensure resumption of normal trash and recycling collection services to communities throughout the state. Residents should contact local public works or municipal recycling coordinators or visit their websites for details.
      The DEP is offering the following tips to help residents manage their trash and debris:
      * Storm-affected residents should take special care to document storm damages before disposing damaged personal property, including taking pictures and making a list of damaged or lost items. If possible, make sure to save receipts for valuable items.
      * Use caution with wet carpeting, upholstery and other porous items. Growth of molds on these items happens quickly may be a health risk. For more information on protecting yourself from mold, go to http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp
      * If your property did not sustain damage in the storm, dispose of larger, bulky non-food items at a later time and delay any major household cleanups such as backyard cleanup, tree pruning or disposal of old furniture or any other projects that will generate a large amount of waste.
      * Place food waste, disposable diapers and other wet waste into double plastic bags for better storage if collection is delayed. Add a capful of ammonia to reduce odors that could attract animals and other vermin. Secure the bags tightly and store in a cool place.
      * If possible, separate and store recyclable materials for disposal at a later time. Store non-recyclable paper, containers, packaging and other dry waste indoors and away from sources of combustion.
      * If practical, remove TVs and computer monitors and contact your local recycling coordinator for details on how this material, known as e-waste, can be recycled.
      A list of solid waste facilities and operating hours as well as various DEP actions and guidance documents related to debris management may be found at: www.nj.gov/dep/special/hurricane-sandy/debris.htm
      ####

      - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
      This message has been sent by the New Jersey Department of
      Environmental Protection

    • 6 months ago
  • artemis6
  • JanforGore
  • gump
    • +5
      gump  

    • I feel overwhelmed. Just keeping on day to day. Everything I do seems wasted pretty quickly. Maybe I should make some big changes in my priorities. There is so much to do. So little time for me to do it. I'm just old.

    • 6 months ago
  • JanforGore
  • wolfess
    • +4
      wolfess  
    • gump:

      Awww Gump, is there anything I can do to help? What do you need RIGHT now? If you need an ear I'm here; if you need to know others are concerned about you you're in the right place; if you need a pat on the back I'm here to give it b/c I know some of what you have gone thru and I am proud of you and marvel at your strength :-).

      Pwr 2 the TIRED peons! HONOR GAIA'S CHILDREN!

    • 6 months ago
  • JanforGore
    • +4
      JanforGore  
    • Image

    • http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/11/northeast-cleans-up-from-hurricane-sand...

      (Reuters) - New Yorkers took to the streets on Sunday to reinforce recovery from Superstorm Sandy, volunteering to help clean up devastated neighborhoods and using an annual Veterans Day parade to collect donations for victims still struggling without homes or electricity.

      Police raised the storm-related fatality toll in New York City to 43, adding the death of a 77-year-old retired custodian who was found paralyzed last week at the bottom of the steps of his apartment building in Rockaway, Queens, with head injuries. He died at a hospital on Saturday, they said.

      At least 121 people have perished in the storm, which caused an estimated $50 billion in property damage and economic losses and ranks as one of the most destructive natural disasters to hit the U.S. Northeast.

      The Rockaways peninsula of the city's Queens borough was especially hard hit when Sandy barreled into the East Coast on Oct. 29, unleashing a record storm surge that flooded low-lying areas and fierce winds that toppled trees and power lines.

      Many residents said they felt exhausted

      Priscilla Perez, 30, was climbing up 11 flights of stairs in the dark, carrying clothes, jugs of water supplies and her 1-year-old daughter to an apartment at the Bay Towers in Rockaway Park. Helping carry the load was her 10-year-old son, Elijah, who she said is struggling with the impact of the storm.

      "He doesn't want to eat. He's never been through anything like this," she said. "I tell him when we go to get food, 'Take a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, take a hot dog,' but he says no."

      Recovery workers, from volunteers to firefighters, National Park Service workers and thousands of National Guard members, helped clean up in Queens and the city's Staten Island borough, also badly damaged, clearing mounds of garbage, sand and debris.

      Medical teams went door to door to check on residents in high-rise buildings without power.

      U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano paid a visit on Sunday to hundreds of federal recovery workers crammed into the mess hall aboard the T.S. Kennedy, a merchant marine training ship docked on Staten Island to serve as a floating hotel for government employees taking part in the effort.

      "Thank you, and thank you, and thank you," she told the workers, adding, "I hope you take some pride in what you're doing."

      Throughout the Eastern seaboard, thousands of homes were destroyed or badly damaged, millions were left without power, and commerce was brought to a virtual standstill in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

      The misery was compounded by an unseasonably early winter storm, or "Nor'easter" that lashed the region on Wednesday with more heavy winds, along with rain, sleet and snow. As many as 8.6 million utility customers lost electricity at some point in the midst of the back-to-back storms.

      On Sunday, nearly two weeks after Hurricane Sandy first struck, thousands were still in temporary shelters, while the tally of power outages had dwindled to about 167,000, according to the U.S. Energy Department. New York accounted for most of the remaining outages, the bulk of them on Long Island.

      In what was likely to be a great relief to hundreds of thousands of commuters struggling to get to jobs without mass transit, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced that some PATH trains that connect New York and New Jersey would resume service on Monday morning.

      However, service at the Hoboken, Exchange Place and World Trade Center stations was still suspended due to severe flooding and will likely remain so for several weeks, they said.

      Officials also announced the limited reopening of the Governor Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, formerly known as the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, for rush-hour bus service Monday morning.

      The tunnel, which connects Brooklyn with downtown Manhattan, flooded with an estimated 43 million gallons (162.8 million liters) of water that damaged electrical, lighting, communications, surveillance and ventilation systems, authorities said.

      In addition, Amtrak planned to reopen the so-called North Turbe rail tunnel under the Hudson for Amtrak passenger train and New Jersey Transit commuter service on Monday, according to a statement from U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey.

      He said the tunnel, which was shut down immediately following Sandy, was expected to operate at 63 percent of normal capacity as further work continued.

      more at the link

    • 6 months ago
  • JanforGore
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