DHHS Update for Hurricane Evacuees

Julie Munsell or Ann Wright
Office of Communications
(501) 682-8650 or (501) 661-2474

• The DHHS and the Arkansas Department of Education are temporarily waiving all immunization requirements for entry in Arkansas schools and childcare facilities. Dr. Paul Halverson signed a Waiver of Immunization Requirements that allows for a 30-day provisional enrollment. DHHS officials said the department could extend the provisional enrollment period depending on hurricane recovery progress in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Officials are making efforts to obtain immunization records from computerized immunization information in these states.
  

• If you need to get a prescription filled and the prescription is for routine medication essential to the maintenance of life or for continuation of therapy (for example, blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, etc.) take your empty pill bottle to an Arkansas pharmacy. You can purchase a 30-day supply of medication. If you don't have an empty bottle and your physician from your state can call in a prescription, an Arkansas pharmacy can refill your medication. If you can't reach your physician, you can contact a doctor in this state to help you.
  

• The DHHS has received a request from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management for volunteer physicians, RNs/LPNs, Respiratory Therapists with clinical and field experience and Mental Health Professionals with Critical Incident Stress Training. To volunteer, you can either call the DHHS hotline number at 1-800-651-3493 or email toadheoc@healthyarkansas.com. If deployed, you will be sent to secure staging areas out of harm's way. Officials are advising volunteers not to self deploy; you need to be processed through the emergency management system.
  

• Evacuees that participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition program for Women, Infants, Children (WIC) can purchase groceries from WIC vendors across the state. If you are from Louisiana and Alabama, you can use your food instrument (similar to a check) at any WIC vendor (grocery store).

Evacuees from Mississippi will need to apply for Arkansas WIC. Contact a local health unit in any Arkansas county. Additionally, DHHS personnel will be visiting evacuee shelters and can help you access the system.

WIC provides nutrition education, food formula and other services for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under five. Food packages vary depending on client category, but include infant formula, milk, cheese, cereal, juice, eggs, peanut butter and beans.

WIC food vendors should contact the Vendor Liaison, WIC Central Office at 501-661-2472 for additional information.

• HIV infected persons needing medication, prescription refills, new prescriptions, physician visits, laboratory testing, housing or other related services please contact one of the Ryan White Title II Case Managers listed in the attachment. Anyone needing testing and/or treatment for HIV or a Sexually Transmitted Disease please contact the nearest county health unit. Contact a local health unit in any Arkansas county. Additionally, DHHS personnel will be visiting evacuee shelters and can help you access the system. 
  
  
• TB patients should notify local health units so continuation of care including drug therapy and monitoring can be provided to them. The DHHS Division of Health can contact your local health departments and will coordinate care.
  
  
• BreastCare, a screening program for women age 40 and older, has lifted the program requirements of Arkansas residency in order to serve qualified evacuees. Those who qualify may be eligible for a free mammogram, clinical breast exam and Pap smear if needed. If a woman of any age is currently receiving treatment for breast or cervical cancer and qualifies for BreastCare, the program can help continue her treatment while in Arkansas. Contact a local health unit in any Arkansas county. Additionally, DHHS personnel will be visiting evacuee shelters and can help you access the system. 
  
  
• For family planning services, contact a local health unit, community health center, private physician and Area Health Education Center. Additionally, DHHS personnel will be visiting evacuee shelters and can help you access the system.

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