Oct. 12, 2022
Returning to “normal” following Hurricane Ian will be a long road and one that looks different to different people. Many are still without power, others are in the process of cleaning up and restoring their home, while others are facing a long road of recovery and rebuilding. Lee Health team members and their families run the gamut in these regards. This is a challenging time, and there are many emotional, psychological and financial hardships ahead.
Lee Health is here to care for our community — check www.LeeHealth.org for the list of all of our open locations. Our emergency departments have treated various injuries and illnesses, ranging from lacerations and broken bones to respiratory issues, strokes and heart attacks.
One serious health threat that Lee Health and other health care providers in Lee County are seeing is dehydration. Remember to drink plenty of water. To prevent the potentially life-threatening effects of dehydration, we urge you to make and drink 1-2 cups of this simple rehydration solution every hour:
¦ 1 liter clean drinking water
¦ 6 level teaspoons sugar
¦ ½ teaspoon salt
If you need other assistance, the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades is working with their network of nonprofits to aid in many different ways — from food distribution and financial assistance to specialized medical support and resources. United Way 211 can help you navigate the human and social service agencies to determine the right resource for your specific situation. United Way 211 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Dial 211 or 239-433- 3900. Lee County — www.Leegov.com — is also is keeping a list of distribution sites for food and water and other valuable recovery resources.
For those Lee County residents seeking assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), call 800-621-3362 or visit www.Disaster- Assistance.gov.
As we all continue on our paths to normalcy, please continue to help one another. If you have spare food or supplies that you don’t need, donate them; or consider donating blood to help those in our community who need red blood cells, plasma or platelets. Lee Health is here to provide vital, high-quality, compassionate care as our community rebuilds together.