Paralyzed Veterans of America Comes to Houston for Recovery Effort

70-year-old nonprofit to visit local veterans, local Paralyzed Veterans' chapter and Houston VA SCI Center

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Sep 11, 2017, 22:11 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) today announced a team from its national office will join its local Paralyzed Veterans leadership to further outreach efforts for local veteran members affected and displaced by Hurricane Harvey.

"This devastating storm has affected more than two hundred Paralyzed Veterans of America members," said President David Zurfluh. "Our Texas Chapter has been working around the clock since the storm, reaching out to these individuals to assess the extent of their personal and property damage, and processing grant applications to alleviate some of the more immediate needs. We are trying to ensure they can replace life-sustaining medications, medical equipment, mobility assistive devices; as well as the basic necessities of food, clothing and, in the worst cases, shelter."

"We also want to ensure the hardworking medical staff at the Houston Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Spinal Cord Injury Unit, who has also been working around the clock since the hurricane, caring for veterans who are injured, displaced and/or in shock are fully aware how much we appreciate and rely upon their commitment and dedication to those who have served and sacrificed for us," added Associate Executive Director Lana McKenzie, RN, MHA, CCM

WHO:	Paralyzed Veterans of America
	National President, David Zurfluh
	Executive Director, Sherman Gillums
	Texas Chapter President, Anne Robinson
	Texas Chapter Vice President, Tammy Jones
	National Associate Executive Director, Medical Services, Lana McKenzie, RN, MHA, CCM
	National Director, Architecture, Mark Lichter, AIA

WHEN:	Wednesday, September 13-15 *see outreach highlights below

WHERE:	Paralyzed Veterans of America Texas Chapter 6418 FM 2100 Crosby, TX 77532

	Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Spinal Cord Injury Unit 2002 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77030

WHAT:	Hurricane Harvey Outreach & Recovery Expedition Highlights include*:

	Wednesday, September 13, 2017
	12noon-2pmCT: Paralyzed Veterans staff gather at Paralyzed Veterans' Texas Chapter to assemble "go bags" for veterans. The "Go Bags" will contain basic survival items such as a phone charger, a flashlight, hand sanitizer and a whistle. They will also contain critical information and an item for people with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D): medical emergency cards with warning signs and treatments of the life-threatening danger of Autonomic Dysreflexia, and an inflatable donut to help mitigate the occurrence of pressure ulcers, which can also be life-threatening for SCI/D individuals.

	Thursday, September 14, 2017
	12noon: Paralyzed Veterans of America on-staff nurses and leadership team to hold an appreciation lunch for VA SCI/D nurses and clinicians in SCI Unit. Producer Note: One-on-one nurse interviews available with advance notice. Please call.

	1:30pm-3:30pmCT: Paralyzed Veterans of America medical services team to tour the VA SCI Unit, visit with patients, and assess current conditions and critical needs.
	Producer Note: Patient interviews may be considered with advance notice. Please call.

	Friday, September 15, 2017
	8:00am-10amCT: Paralyzed Veterans of America outreach team—including medical services staff, leadership and staff volunteers—to tour Paralyzed Veterans' member homes and present grant funds to affected paralyzed veterans and their families. Producer Note: Press access to member homes must be pre-arranged. Please call.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For more than 70 years, Paralyzed Veterans has ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (www.pva.org).