Efforts to strengthen disaster response across Louisiana are helping ensure patients can maintain access to care in the aftermath of hurricanes and other emergencies.
A new communications system is improving how quickly healthcare providers and pharmacies can be assessed following a disaster. By using multi-channel outreach and real-time assessment tools, the system can identify damaged or unavailable healthcare facilities within hours, allowing for faster response and coordination.
With this information, patients can be quickly connected to alternative providers and pharmacies, helping prevent disruptions in care and access to medications. This is especially critical for individuals with high-risk medical needs, including those in late pregnancy, undergoing cancer treatment, or managing chronic conditions such as diabetes.
“With this emergency communications system, we can reach providers quickly and reliably using multiple channels,” said Kevin Holt, Senior Crisis Management Analyst at Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “This helps reduce disruption for members and ensures they have the information they need to continue receiving care.”
Real-world experiences highlight the importance of timely support during emergencies. One member, Siairra, shared how coordinated assistance during Hurricane Ida helped ensure both her care and her newborn’s needs were met during evacuation and recovery.
“Having that support made all the difference,” she said. “It made me feel like I was not alone.”
The system builds on existing efforts to support members during times of crisis by improving communication, coordination, and response speed.
“Because hurricanes are a reality in Louisiana, improving how quickly we respond is a critical part of supporting our members,” said Joe Tidwell, Vice President of Network Development and Engagement at Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “Ensuring patients receive timely information helps protect access to care when it matters most.”
By strengthening communication and response capabilities, these efforts help ensure that patients across Louisiana can stay connected to the care they need, even in the most challenging circumstances.