Our thoughts are with those in our community who are coping with the effects of Hurricane Harvey. We hope that you are safe and and have access to the diabetes supplies you need.
JDRF, American Diabetes Association and Insulin for Life
As part of our emergency response, JDRF is working with a number of diabetes organizations, most notably the American Diabetes Association and Insulin for Life USA. Insulin for Life is an organization that delivers insulin and testing supplies to people in need.
Through this partnership, Insulin for Life has secured and shipped more than 3,750 pounds of supplies to the Houston, Galveston, Harris County and Corpus Christi communities, which will arrive by Friday, September 1, 2017, and another 3,000 pounds of supplies which will arrive early next week. The supplies include syringes, pen needles, alcohol pads, blood glucose meters, glucose test strips, lancets, and insulin—in both analogue and human insulins and vial and pen forms.
Where to find Insulin for Life supplies:
The first shipment of more than 3,750 pounds of diabetes supplies (5 pallets), provided by the critical partnership of American Diabetes Association (ADA), JDRF, Insulin for Life (IFL USA), has arrived in the Houston area. Supplies are available for public distribution at the following locations:
- In San Antonio, starting Saturday Afternoon, September 2, after 1 p.m. CT, at the Harland Clarke Shelter, 5003 Stout, San Antonio, Texas 78219.
Four additional pallets shipped on Thursday, August 31 and will arrive early next week. Two pallets are going to Harris County, Houston for distribution to evacuees sheltered at the newly opened NRG Center. As additional supplies are donated, all three partners will continue to collaborate to get the supplies and medications where they are needed, especially given Hurricane Harvey’s second landfall in Louisiana.
How to Help:
If you would like to support this effort, you can donate diabetes supplies to Insulin for Life or contribute funds to JDRF Hurricane Harvey Relief:
Resources
For those of you who need assistance, there are resources to help.
Hurricane Harvey Shelters
American Diabetes Association Hotline
1-800-342-2383 (800-DIABETES)
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
Extended hours:
8:00 a.m. ET to 10:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, August 29 through Friday, September 1
10:00 a.m. ET to 4:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, September 2
American Diabetes Association Resources
- Caring for People with Diabetes in Emergency Situations
- Tips for First Responders
- Tips for Emergency Preparedness
Insulet Assistance
For those who are in need of replacement supplies, contact the customer care team at 800-591-3455. Local representatives in the affected areas will also have additional supplies.
Lilly Program
For those in urgent need who cannot access medicines through normal channels, please contact the Lilly call center at 1-800-Lilly-RX. Lilly is working with officials and Direct Relief International to distribute insulin and other medicines to victims who can’t get to pharmacies. Additionally, Lilly offers a product disaster replacement program for those whose insurance plans do not include a “disaster override” that can replace destroyed insulin. This program will offer a 30-day supply at no charge.
Novo Nordisk Program
Novo Nordisk is working on the ground with long-time disaster relief partner, AmeriCares, for product donations (including Novo Nordisk medicines). All inquiries should be directed to AmeriCares via 800-486-HELP.
City of Houston Emergency Information
Additional Resources
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and federal aid programs for Texas residents
- Department of HHS support services, HHS Disaster Distress Line 1-800-985-5990
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hurricane resources
- List of open pharmacies in the Houston area
- Texas Health and Human Services – call 211 for assistance
- The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies has a hotline, 1-800-626-4949, to help people with disabilities and the elderly to safety and provide immediate needs of durable medical equipment and supplies
- Americares is providing emergency support and services
- How to donate diabetes supplies to Insulin for Life
- List of Texas food banks
- South Texas Blood and Tissue Center – to find a South Texas location to donate blood, call 210-731-5590
- American Red Cross – for nationwide locations to donate blood or platelets
If you are facing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.