Community

In late August of 2005 Hurricane Katrina was the costliest and one of the five deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States. It was the sixth-strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded and the third-strongest hurricane on record that made landfall in the United States. Victims from three states came to the Galveston and Houston Area seeking refuge and living accommodations. The UTMB Access Center started a designated 'Care' line to facilitate health care concerns during the following weeks. Staff rallied together with the Galveston Community Church and American Red Cross to help collect food, diapers, clothing and furniture for the surrounding community for the weeks following.

The UTMB Access Center actively participates in community awareness events during Hurricane Season. This year a team was at the 2008 West-End Galveston Island Hurricane Preparedness Meeting. The UTMB 409-772-2222 is a 24/7 access number into the UTMB Health System at all times.

Education and information is provided to the public free of charge at community health fairs such as this one at Mall of the Mainland in March, 2008. A customer service representative is available for appointment scheduling at these times.