Resources for Social Workers and Their Clients and Families

JCAHO offers new Web resource: Surge Hospitals: Providing Safe Care in Emergencies.  http://www.jcaho.org/about+us/public+policy+initiatives/surge_hospital.htm

Pain Management - Prescription Drugs

Were you forced to flee your home or apartment because of Hurricane Katrina? Are you having trouble remembering what prescription medications you were taking before the hurricane? Have you forgotten the dosages you were taking of specific medications?  Did you lose important information about your medications in the storm?  If so, there is a new, free, and secure online service to help you gain access to your own pre-hurricane prescription drug information. All you need to do is tell any doctor or pharmacist who is helping you about KatrinaHealth.  After the doctor or pharmacists registers to use this free service, they will be able to access your personal health information. Please remember that: 

Your doctor should call the American Medical Association’s Unified Service Center at 1-800-262-3211.  For more information visit www.katrinahealth.org.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides information for those in need, including a crisis hotline, and resources for those who have mental health or substance abuse problems.  For more information, please go to: www.samhsa.gov

Cancer

• CancerCare provides support services to anyone affected by cancer.  CancerCare has partnered with the ASCO Foundation to disburse their Hurricane Relief Fund to support cancer patients from southern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas, who have been affected by the hurricanes and are in need of critical support services.  The funds will pay for therapeutic agents for cancer treatment and supportive care medications, durable medical equipment, homecare, childcare, transportation, lodging, and other general living expenses for cancer patients affected by the hurricanes. Financial assistance will be granted to clients who meet CancerCare eligibility criteria.  Cancer patients who need support can contact CancerCare directly at 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) to access The ASCO Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund's call center.
  • CancerCare, through support from The ASCO Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund, is pleased to provide Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients who have been affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
  • CancerCare Financial Assistance Application
• The American Psychosocial Oncology Society has established a referral line for local resources. Patients are referred to local providers based on their individual needs; they could be directed to social workers or other mental health professionals.  For more information, please go to http://www.apos-society.org/survivors/helpline/helpline.aspx.

Other Cancer Resources

• American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - www.lls.org

Pain Management

• The American Pain Foundation is especially concerned about victims of Hurricane Katrina who may be experiencing withdrawal from their pain medicines.  For more information about understanding withdrawal symptoms, warnings and tips about how to deal with withdrawal, visit the American Pain Foundation at http://www.painfoundation.org/.