Hurricane Michael roared across the Florida panhandle leaving behind a swath of destruction of historic proportions. The death toll has grown to 19, and more than 435,000 homes are still without power. First responders are still assessing the damage in many communities.
Panama City Beach had never experienced a storm as powerful as Michael. The hurricane left the city in shambles. Both local hospitals were severely damaged. Those who did not evacuate or left a car behind lost their vehicle when Michael slammed ashore. Their ability to reach a physician, or a pharmacy to get medication has been hampered. Could you imagine not being able to pick up a critically-needed prescription?
As residents and businesses begin the long road to recovery, the medical staff of Coastal Internal Medicine, located in Panama City Beach, decided to do more to help their community.
To help those who lost everything, Coastal Internal Medicine turned their office into a free clinic. Locals can visit Coastal Internal Medicine to collect much-needed medicines and health supplies without a prescription.
Today, a plane loaded with relief supplies departed MAP’s Global Distribution Center in Brunswick, Georgia. Loaded with 30 of MAP’s Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Medical Mission Packs and Ethicon sutures, the plane delivered these packs to Coastal Internal Medicine’s clinic in Panama City.
Each J&J pack contains over-the-counter medicines including much-needed Band-Aids, analgesics, gauze, multivitamins and other health supplies designed to prevent the spread of illness. Combined with the injury-treatment products offered by 3M including bandages, braces and supports, the supplies will benefit more than 1,000 patients being cared for at the clinic.
Listen to MAP's Director of Disaster Relief, Jason Elliott, describe the airlift coordinated by Operation Air Drop and Windstorm Mitigation.
There are many miracles, both large and small that invariably follow a disaster. The employees of Coastal Internal Medicine are a blessing and a miracle to many following Michael.
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16
Please pray for the people who have been impacted by Hurricane Michael. Thank you for all you have done for MAP International and those we serve.
