Afternoon Keynote: What are the Lessons Learned to Help You Prepare for the Next Disaster Response?

Omar Reid, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, HarrisHealth System

Transcript

1. Disaster Response ~ Hurricane Harvey PRESENTATION BY: Omar C. Reid Senior Vice President, Human Resources
2. •Hurricane Harvey Impact • October 26, 2017
3. Preparations for Harvey (24-25 August) HR Planning ▪ Established working hours and working phone numbers for system employees ▪ Participated in C-Suite meetings System Planning ▪ Activate incident command (24 August). Define system vs pavilion operations ▪ Initiate emergency contracts as needed; establish vendor communication processes ▪ Establish internal communication processes and engage with CMOC (Catastrophic Medical Operations Center) and City and County OEM ▪ Communicate closures with patients and staff
4. Ben Taub
5. LBJ
6. ACS Clinic at NRG Center
7. Post-Harvey Response
8. Post-Harvey Response Hurricane Harvey dealt a harsh blow to the Houston area in late August. While employees continued to serve patients, Harris Health System served employees facing personal hardship. More than 600 people applied for assistance from Harris Health’s Disaster Relief program. Collectively, those employees sustained $9.6 million in damage to their homes, vehicles and belongings. The Human Resources (HR) department formed a task force to communicate with employees throughout the storm and assist with recovery. Immediately after Hurricane Harvey, the HR department shifted from normal duties to disaster relief. We put together a key stakeholder task force to facilitate the needs of our employees.
9. One-third of Harris Health’s Disaster Relief applicants received assistance directly from the Harris County Hospital District Foundation. HCHDF distributed almost $500,000 in funds to employees. Additionally, the HR department served as a liaison for employees applying for assistance from the Texas Hospital Association (THA). THA also distributed $187,000 to Harris Health employees. While these funds could not cover all damages, this initiative demonstrated Harris Health’s support for employees and how fellow employees are willing to lend a helping hand for each other.
10. Lessons Learned • Ensure proper expectations regarding compensation have been set prior to the emergency • Establishing contact with employees immediately after the disaster • Community resources can be INVALUABLE !! • Providing immediate financial assistance to impacted employees • Unique financial constraints for public sector employer