Bringing a Measure of Disaster Relief to TMC

There can be little doubt that the flooding that struck the Texas Medical Center early last month is a disaster whose repercussions will continue to be felt for many years to come. Damage estimates already range in excess of $2 billion, and the medical research losses may prove incalculable. As we have all shared in the many successes to come from TMC institutions, we likewise share in this setback.

Since President Bush approved the state's request for an expedited disaster declaration, it has been clear that recovery efforts at the Texas Medical Center would pose significant challenges for FEMA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The number of member institutions, the extreme level of damage, and the criticality of the TMC mission strongly suggested the need for a unique approach.

As the lead federal and state representatives on a specially constituted Texas Medical Center Task Force, we have already begun to work with the Texas Medical Center and its member institutions to maximize the provision of governmental assistance, and to expedite its delivery. This process began even before the floodwaters receded, and will continue until every eligible dollar is delivered.

Despite this strong commitment from FEMA and the state, it will take the entire Texas Medical Center community to bring about a full recovery. Already, we have been impressed by the sense of determination and purpose with which medical center employees are setting out to fix what has been broken. The same spirit that helped to build the Texas Medical Center will no doubt be the ultimate source of its recovery. Simply, we pledge to do whatever we can to help.

The federal funds provided under the disaster declaration will address the more tangible kinds of losses at the Texas Medical Center, such as building and equipment damage, and will reimburse for emergency work undertaken. There should also be funds available for mitigation so that future flood damage might be limited. Together, this governmental assistance will be meaningful, likely running into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Still, needs and challenges will remain beyond the scope of federal funding.

Also, we know that many of the employees of medical center institutions suffered home and personal property losses as well. So that those losses are addressed, we want to encourage all individuals affected by Tropical Storm Allison to make an application with FEMA via its toll-free registration line at 1-800-462-9029 (7 a.m. to 10 p.m. , seven days a week). As hard as people are working to rebuild the Texas Medical Center, it is important that home and family needs are not overlooked.

We are thankful for this opportunity provided by the News to communicate directly with the Texas Medical Center community, and to further develop what is already a strong partnership with the many TMC institutions. In the end, it will be teamwork and cooperation that complete the recovery picture.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/07_15_01/page_02.html