How the Veterans Health Administration is preparing for flood emergencies » Yale Climate Connection

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides care to veterans and their families.

But providing this care can be complicated during floods, which are becoming more common as the climate warms.

Derrick Jaastad is with the VHA Office of Emergency Management.

Jaastad: “For example, when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2017, it dropped more than 40 inches of rain. The Veterans Administration Medical Center is located on a hill, so there was no flooding. However, it was difficult for us to get food and nutrients… medical center.

To help prevent similar situations at some of the country's most vulnerable facilities, the agency purchased six high-water trucks.

Jaastad: “The wheels are about 4 feet tall…capable of fording water up to 48 inches deep.”

During floods, they can transport supplies and send hospital staff to medical facilities to care for patients.

VHA has also expanded telehealth services so patients at home don’t have to miss appointments during weather emergencies.

So even when floodwaters rise, veterans can get the health care they need both on and off site.

Report source: Sarah Kennedy/ChavoBart Digital Media