End Stage Renal Disease Networks in the Gulf Coast are communicating daily with the KCER Coalition, CMS, and other stakeholders to ensure kidney community issues are addressed for Hurricane Gustav.
As of 5pm (EST), Gustav was 215 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, heading northwest at about 18 miles per hour. Gustav is a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 115 mph. There is an increased threat for storm surge, tornadoes, and locally heavy rainfall.
Patients and providers are encouraged to contact their dialysis provider hotline and ESRD Network for information or assistance.
* DaVita: 800-400-8331 (operational 24/7)
* Fresenius: 800-626-1297 (operational 24/7)
* DCI Donor Hotline/Transient Patients: 800-969-4438
ESRD Network 13 (Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas): 800-472-8664
ESRD Network 14 (Texas): 877-886-4435
ESRD Network 8 (Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee): 877-936-9260 (Patients only) 601-936-9260
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
KCER Monitors Tropical Weather Threats Gustav, Hanna
The KCER Coalition is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Gustav and Hanna. ESRD Networks, CMS, and KCER Response Team leaders are in communication regarding preparations for these storms.
We encourage everyone to continue to monitor the progression of Gustav through the National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/, and their local weather service office and emergency management agency.
National Hurricane Center forecasts are typically issued every six hours (5am, 11am, 5pm, 11pm). Gulf Coast areas and Florida should monitor the forecasts, as they change daily and remember not to focus on "the skinny black line" of the projected landfall.
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency:
www.msema.org/
Louisiana Office of Homeland Security And Emergency Preparedness:
www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/
Texas Division of Emergency Management:
www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/index.htm
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
http://ema.alabama.gov/
Florida Division of Emergency Management
www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp
We encourage everyone to continue to monitor the progression of Gustav through the National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/, and their local weather service office and emergency management agency.
National Hurricane Center forecasts are typically issued every six hours (5am, 11am, 5pm, 11pm). Gulf Coast areas and Florida should monitor the forecasts, as they change daily and remember not to focus on "the skinny black line" of the projected landfall.
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency:
www.msema.org/
Louisiana Office of Homeland Security And Emergency Preparedness:
www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/
Texas Division of Emergency Management:
www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/index.htm
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
http://ema.alabama.gov/
Florida Division of Emergency Management
www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp
Monday, August 25, 2008
Anniversary Reactions to a Traumatic Event: The Recovery Process Continues
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/NMH02-0140/default.asp
As the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event approaches, many survivors report a return of restlessness and fear. Psychological literature calls it the anniversary reaction and defines it as an individual's response to unresolved grief resulting from significant losses. The anniversary reaction can involve several days or even weeks of anxiety, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, or fear.
On a more positive note, the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event also can provide an opportunity for emotional healing. Individuals can make significant progress in working through the natural grieving process by recognizing, acknowledging, and paying attention to the feelings and issues that surface during their anniversary reaction. These feelings and issues can help individuals develop perspective on the event and figure out where it fits in their hearts, minds, and lives.
It is important to note that not all survivors of a disaster or traumatic event experience an anniversary reaction. Those who do, however, may be troubled because they did not expect and do not understand their reaction. For these individuals, knowing what to expect in advance may be helpful. Common anniversary reactions among survivors of a disaster or traumatic event include:
Memories, Dreams, Thoughts, and Feelings: Individuals may replay memories, thoughts, and feelings about the event, which they can't turn off. They may see repeated images and scenes associated with the trauma or relive the event over and over. They may have recurring dreams or nightmares. These reactions may be as vivid on the anniversary as they were at the actual time of the disaster or traumatic event.
Grief and Sadness: Individuals may experience grief and sadness related to the loss of income, employment, a home, or a loved one. Even people who have moved to new homes often feel a sense of loss on the anniversary. Those who were forced to relocate to another community may experience intense homesickness for their old neighborhoods.
Fear and Anxiety: Fear and anxiety may resurface around the time of the anniversary, leading to jumpiness, startled responses, and vigilance about safety. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are still working through the grieving process.
Frustration, Anger, and Guilt: The anniversary may reawaken frustration and anger about the disaster or traumatic event. Survivors may be reminded of the possessions, homes, or loved ones they lost; the time taken away from their lives; the frustrations with bureaucratic aspects of the recovery process; and the slow process of rebuilding and healing. Individuals may also experience guilt about survival. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are not fully recovered financially and emotionally.
Avoidance: Some survivors try to protect themselves from experiencing an anniversary reaction by avoiding reminders of the event and attempting to treat the anniversary as just an ordinary day. Even for these people, it can be helpful to learn about common reactions that they or their loved ones may encounter, so they are not surprised if reactions occur.
Remembrance: Many survivors welcome the cleansing tears, commemoration, and fellowship that the anniversary of the event offers. They see it as a time to honor the memory of what they have lost. They might light a candle, share favorite memories and stories, or attend a worship service.
Reflection: The reflection brought about by the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event is often a turning point in the recovery process. It is an opportunity for people to look back over the past year, recognize how far they have come, and give themselves credit for the challenges they surmounted. It is a time for survivors to look inward and to recognize and appreciate the courage, stamina, endurance, and resourcefulness that they and their loved ones showed during the recovery process. It is a time for people to look around and pause to appreciate the family members, friends, and others who supported them through the healing process. It is also a time when most people can look forward with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
Although these thoughts, feelings, and reactions can be very upsetting, it helps to understand that it is normal to have strong reactions to a disaster or traumatic event and its devastation many months later. Recovery from a disaster or traumatic event takes time, and it requires rebuilding on many levels - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, with patience, understanding, and support from family members and friends, you can emerge from a disaster or traumatic event stronger than before.
If you are still having trouble coping, ask for help. Consult a counselor or mental health professional. In the workplace, you may be able to get assistance from your human resources department or your company's Employee Assistance Program.
NMH02-014010/02
More resources:
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/katrina/
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery.shtml
As the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event approaches, many survivors report a return of restlessness and fear. Psychological literature calls it the anniversary reaction and defines it as an individual's response to unresolved grief resulting from significant losses. The anniversary reaction can involve several days or even weeks of anxiety, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, or fear.
On a more positive note, the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event also can provide an opportunity for emotional healing. Individuals can make significant progress in working through the natural grieving process by recognizing, acknowledging, and paying attention to the feelings and issues that surface during their anniversary reaction. These feelings and issues can help individuals develop perspective on the event and figure out where it fits in their hearts, minds, and lives.
It is important to note that not all survivors of a disaster or traumatic event experience an anniversary reaction. Those who do, however, may be troubled because they did not expect and do not understand their reaction. For these individuals, knowing what to expect in advance may be helpful. Common anniversary reactions among survivors of a disaster or traumatic event include:
Memories, Dreams, Thoughts, and Feelings: Individuals may replay memories, thoughts, and feelings about the event, which they can't turn off. They may see repeated images and scenes associated with the trauma or relive the event over and over. They may have recurring dreams or nightmares. These reactions may be as vivid on the anniversary as they were at the actual time of the disaster or traumatic event.
Grief and Sadness: Individuals may experience grief and sadness related to the loss of income, employment, a home, or a loved one. Even people who have moved to new homes often feel a sense of loss on the anniversary. Those who were forced to relocate to another community may experience intense homesickness for their old neighborhoods.
Fear and Anxiety: Fear and anxiety may resurface around the time of the anniversary, leading to jumpiness, startled responses, and vigilance about safety. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are still working through the grieving process.
Frustration, Anger, and Guilt: The anniversary may reawaken frustration and anger about the disaster or traumatic event. Survivors may be reminded of the possessions, homes, or loved ones they lost; the time taken away from their lives; the frustrations with bureaucratic aspects of the recovery process; and the slow process of rebuilding and healing. Individuals may also experience guilt about survival. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are not fully recovered financially and emotionally.
Avoidance: Some survivors try to protect themselves from experiencing an anniversary reaction by avoiding reminders of the event and attempting to treat the anniversary as just an ordinary day. Even for these people, it can be helpful to learn about common reactions that they or their loved ones may encounter, so they are not surprised if reactions occur.
Remembrance: Many survivors welcome the cleansing tears, commemoration, and fellowship that the anniversary of the event offers. They see it as a time to honor the memory of what they have lost. They might light a candle, share favorite memories and stories, or attend a worship service.
Reflection: The reflection brought about by the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event is often a turning point in the recovery process. It is an opportunity for people to look back over the past year, recognize how far they have come, and give themselves credit for the challenges they surmounted. It is a time for survivors to look inward and to recognize and appreciate the courage, stamina, endurance, and resourcefulness that they and their loved ones showed during the recovery process. It is a time for people to look around and pause to appreciate the family members, friends, and others who supported them through the healing process. It is also a time when most people can look forward with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
Although these thoughts, feelings, and reactions can be very upsetting, it helps to understand that it is normal to have strong reactions to a disaster or traumatic event and its devastation many months later. Recovery from a disaster or traumatic event takes time, and it requires rebuilding on many levels - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, with patience, understanding, and support from family members and friends, you can emerge from a disaster or traumatic event stronger than before.
If you are still having trouble coping, ask for help. Consult a counselor or mental health professional. In the workplace, you may be able to get assistance from your human resources department or your company's Employee Assistance Program.
NMH02-014010/02
More resources:
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/katrina/
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery.shtml
Thursday, August 21, 2008
CDC Hurricane resources
http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer a useful tool to help citizens and responders prepare and respond to, and recover from hurricanes and tropical storms. There are podcasts, videos, sign language videos, and more to help you and your family prepare for hurricanes.
Tropical Storm Fay is currently impacting Florida. Residents should stay tuned to local media for their weather reports. Florida Dialysis providers should notify Network 7 of any issues or facility closures due to the storm. Dialysis providers needing technical assistance should call 813-383-1530. There is also a patient hotline, 800-826-3773.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer a useful tool to help citizens and responders prepare and respond to, and recover from hurricanes and tropical storms. There are podcasts, videos, sign language videos, and more to help you and your family prepare for hurricanes.
Tropical Storm Fay is currently impacting Florida. Residents should stay tuned to local media for their weather reports. Florida Dialysis providers should notify Network 7 of any issues or facility closures due to the storm. Dialysis providers needing technical assistance should call 813-383-1530. There is also a patient hotline, 800-826-3773.
Friday, August 15, 2008
CMS Draft Interpretive Guidelines Published
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted the “draft” interpretive guidance that will guide the survey process for the new ESRD Conditions for Coverage.
The document includes the regulatory language that was published as a final rule for the ESRD program in the Federal Register on April 15, 2008, as well as regulatory text that was incorporated by reference in that final rule.
Comments and rationale pertaining to the “draft” Interpretive Guidelines can be submitted to the CMS mailbox at ESRDSurvey@cms.hhs.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on August 18, 2008. A template to submit comments and rationale is included in the guideline document.
You can locate the “draft” Interpretive Guideline document on the FMQAI website at http://www.fmqai.com/ESRD/.
The document includes the regulatory language that was published as a final rule for the ESRD program in the Federal Register on April 15, 2008, as well as regulatory text that was incorporated by reference in that final rule.
Comments and rationale pertaining to the “draft” Interpretive Guidelines can be submitted to the CMS mailbox at ESRDSurvey@cms.hhs.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on August 18, 2008. A template to submit comments and rationale is included in the guideline document.
You can locate the “draft” Interpretive Guideline document on the FMQAI website at http://www.fmqai.com/ESRD/.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Disaster Training & Education
The Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) Coalition developed a new webpage to assist the kidney community in locating low/no cost training and education options. www.kcercoalition.com/education.htm provides a brief list of free online courses on emergency planning, disaster basics, healthcare focused planning, and more. If you know of a low/no cost program, please let us know!
All Hazards I: Identifying and Preparing for Potential Emergencies and Disasters.
This free online continuing education course will provide 1.0 continuing education contact hour for Florida nurses, social workers, and dietitians. This is an exciting opportunity for dialysis providers to fulfill the CMS Conditions for Coverage which outline staff training on disasters. For more information on the course, visit http://edu.flqio.org/ and click on "ESRD Courses."
FEMA Independent Study Courses at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) http://www.training.fema.gov/is
The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers online, self-paced courses designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the general public. Courses are free-of-charge to those who qualify for enrollment. These courses can provide education on disaster planning, mock disaster exercise planning, and more. Some courses are healthcare-specific, including:
http://www2.cdc.gov/PHTN/alpha.asp
South Central Center for Public Health Preparedness
http://www.soph.uab.edu/scphp/
The Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health Preparedness
http://www.jhsph.edu/preparedness/training/online/index.html
If you would like to add a course or website to this list, please email sburris@nw7.esrd.net.
All Hazards I: Identifying and Preparing for Potential Emergencies and Disasters.
This free online continuing education course will provide 1.0 continuing education contact hour for Florida nurses, social workers, and dietitians. This is an exciting opportunity for dialysis providers to fulfill the CMS Conditions for Coverage which outline staff training on disasters. For more information on the course, visit http://edu.flqio.org/ and click on "ESRD Courses."
FEMA Independent Study Courses at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) http://www.training.fema.gov/is
The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers online, self-paced courses designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the general public. Courses are free-of-charge to those who qualify for enrollment. These courses can provide education on disaster planning, mock disaster exercise planning, and more. Some courses are healthcare-specific, including:
- IS-100.HC: Introduction to the Incident Command System for Healthcare/Hospitals
- IS-197.SP Special Needs Planning Considerations for Service and Support Providers
- IS-200.HC Applying ICS to Healthcare Organizations
- IS-808 Emergency Support Function (ESF) #8 – Public Health and Medical Services
http://www2.cdc.gov/PHTN/alpha.asp
South Central Center for Public Health Preparedness
http://www.soph.uab.edu/scphp/
The Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health Preparedness
http://www.jhsph.edu/preparedness/training/online/index.html
If you would like to add a course or website to this list, please email sburris@nw7.esrd.net.
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