Houston VA Medical Center Fully Operational

Despite heavy rains and area flooding caused by the recent Tropical Storm Allison, the Houston VA Medical Center maintained full-power, remained fully operational, and was well-staffed throughout the weekend. Other than a minimal amount of water found in the facility's warehouse, the VA medical center responded exceedingly well to the emergency situation.

"It was an interesting weekend," said Edgar Tucker, director of the Houston VA Medical Center.

So interesting, in fact, that a woman even had a baby at the VA hospital. Named to commemorate the location of her birth, Asia VA Keithera Young was born to Kimberly and Keith Wayne Young Jr. when the couple couldn't reach their original destination, due to flooded streets and rising waters in the Texas Medical Center.

The VA also pitched in by agreeing to provide inpatient beds for St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital after they lost power. Thirteen patients, accompanied by St. Luke's Medical Center staff, were transferred to the VA. To date, all have been discharged.

In addition to the Houston VA Medical Center, the Beaumont and Lufkin outpatient clinics are also open and fully operational.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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