Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Preparation is key when it comes to hurricane season – especially this year, since we are still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Ochsner Health recommends you make these three health-focused calls before a storm is in the Gulf.
Call #1 – Call your primary care physician (and your child’s pediatrician too!)
You’ll need to ask for an updated copy of your medications list. If you evacuate for an extended period of time, you’ll need current prescriptions in order to get refills on any medications. While you’re on the phone, ask for a current copy of your vaccinations, too. This is essential in case you need to seek medical assistance while out of town.
Call #2 – Call any specialist doctors you may see for chronic conditions
It’s important to check in with any specialists who help manage any serious, chronic conditions – such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), etc. By starting the conversation now, you’ll have a plan in place if you must evacuate and are unable to see your regular physician for an extended period of time. Share your evacuation plans with your specialist and ask for a list of recommended physicians to connect with based on your evacuation plans should you need medical assistance. If you are pregnant and close to your due date or are considered high-risk, your OBGYN may recommend and help you ID an alternate birth location in the case of an evacuation.
Call #3 – Call your pharmacy
We recommend having at least a week’s supply of your regular medications with you in case of a mandatory evacuation or a scenario where you might be sheltering in place for an extended period. Call your pharmacy in advance to see what medications you can get refills for. And don’t forget to confirm your pharmacy’s alternative locations in case of an evacuation.
For more storm prep tips from Ochsner, check out www.ochsner.org/hurricaneprep. To learn more about Ochsner’s COVID-19 response, please visit www.ochsner.org/coronavirus.
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About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Ochsner Health is a not-for-profit committed to giving back to the communities it serves through preventative screenings, health and wellness resources and partnerships with innovative organizations that share our vision. Ochsner Health healed more than 876,000 people from across the globe in 2019, providing the latest medical breakthroughs and therapies, including digital medicine for chronic conditions and telehealth specialty services. Ochsner Health is a national leader, named the top hospital in Louisiana and a top children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report. As Louisiana’s leading healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. Ochsner Health is innovating healthcare by investing in new technologies and research to make world-class care more accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner's team of more than 26,000 employees and 4,500 providers are working to reinvent the future of health and wellness in the region. To learn more about Ochsner Health, please visit www.ochsner.org. To transform your health, please visit www.ochsner.org/healthyyou.