NASW TEXAS CHAPTER:
In accordance with section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, the Office of the Governor temporarily suspends all necessary statutes and rules to allow health care providers employed by a hospital and licensed and in good standing in another state to practice in Texas in order assist with the Tropical Depression Harvey disaster response operations. Hospitals must submit to the applicable licensing entity each out-of-state provider’s name, provider type, state of license, and license identification number.
This suspension is in effect until terminated by the Office of the Governor or until the Tropical Depression Harvey disaster declaration is lifted or expires.
Licensed health care professionals should contact their Texas licensing boards for more information on the approval process.
Texas hospitals may contact Pamela Adams, Program Specialist, Facility Licensing Group at (512) 834-6600, extension 2607 or at pamela.adams@hhsc.state.tx.us with any questions.
Will Francis, LMSW Government Relations Director National Association of Social Workers/Texas Chapter
Additional Information:
The NASW Texas Chapter is urging members to follow evacuation orders. Social workers who wish to assist people affected by the storm should work with the American Red Cross. The Chapter will post hurricane-related information for social workers on its website and its Facebook page. And here is more information from the City of Houston:
Ways to help Houston recover from Harvey
Individuals. Call 211 (713-685-2300 if out of area). They are coordinating volunteers.
Individuals. Go to the George R Brown Convention Center. There are people there who will guide them to the appropriate group.
Groups or Individuals. Register at volunteerhouston.org (likely the most comprehensive and easiest to use).
Corporations wanting to donate supplies or money (for example, XYZ Corp has truckloads of supplies they want to contribute):
Please send an email to Norma.Meadows@houstontx.gov and Carlecia.Wright@houstontx.gov with the following information:
– Name of organization
– Name of person to call regarding the donation
– Email of Point of Contact
– Service provided
Individuals wanting to donate. Harris County & COH JOINT Donations Hotline. 1-800-924-5985
Medical volunteers. SETRAC website for medical volunteers to register for disaster volunteer ops: https://texasdisastervolunteerregistry.org/
NASW FLORIDA CHAPTER:
The NASW Florida Chapter has posted information on its website and Facebook page for social workers to sign up as Red Cross mental health volunteers and a list of shelters for Miami/Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. NASW Florida Chapter’s Big Bend Unit members are relocating displaced senior citizens from South Florida to a facility in Tallahassee.The Florida Chapter will issue more updates as needed. NASW is also seeking hurricane information from our Puerto Rico and Virgin Island Chapters.