Joplin Tornado

holy crap...90 dead. That's terrible

Prayers for the city of Joplin.

Steve (slm), have you spoken to Taylor B? Is he okay?

 

This really is so tragic. I've lived / worked in many places but my experience with St. John's Hospital and the entire Joplin community have been nothing short of amazing. I even considered moving back after making it to Austin. I'm glad our crew is ok.

For those who are fortunate enough, please contribute by texting the word "Joplin" to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

 

This is tragic news indeed. When I checked the website for The Joplin Globe a few minutes ago, sadly, I learned that the death toll is now 116, and several hundred people were critically injured in the storm.

Four years ago, my wife had a week-long work assignment in Joplin, and my son and I went along with her. Before this trip my impressions of Joplin were limited to passing through on the way to somewhere else. But after spending a week in Joplin, I was really impressed with the community, and I felt immediately at home there. For a small city it has a nice array of shopping and dining options, nice parks, and a downtown on the rebound, but the people of Joplin impressed me more than anything else. So I was devastated when I heard the news and saw the pictures, and I couldn't believe the widespread destruction the tornado left behind. I will keep the people of Joplin in my thoughts and prayers.

 

Steve, disregard...Taylor is fine, he posted to his facebook page.

 

This has been such a shock. I suspect the death toll will top 250. The tornado went right through the south central part of town. Everyone we all know here is OK. None of the driving crowd has had loss of life or home. However, the devistation is indescribable. The pictures they are showing on the news just don't capture just how bad things are. On the southwest side of town, THE ONLY THING left standing is our hospital which I am sure is a total loss.

Our hospital physicians and staff has been supporting a makeshift ER/trauma center at Memorial Hall. About the only thing we can do right now is concentrate on taking care of the injured, dead and homeless. I have spent a lot of time there so I may not be here on FChat very often for a while. Besides, I do not have a place to work!!

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers and please keep them coming. They are much appreciated now and will be needed for quite some time.

Steve

p.s. Chas, Talyor B is fine. He was helping out last night.

 

thanks for checking in Steve...God bless and keep fighting.

is there anything we can do to help?

 

they've said this has been the deadliest tornado in 60 years, i'm glad to hear you guys are ok, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those that were directly affected by this. +1, chas, let us know what we can do to help.

 

I think donating money is the real way people not in the immediate Joplin vicinity can help.

 

Hi! For health professionals who are interested in volunteering, kindly register at www.showmeresponse.org. Thanks!

 

I am sending a donation ... I have never seen anything like this!

Watching the news now - Tornado warnings and heavy rains.

These people need help and money

Joplin, Mo Tornado Recovery on fb

 

Thanks everyone. Day 2 was a little better. Tried to get into my office attached to the hospital. Security did not appreciate this. Very forcibly asked us to leave. Hospital and medical office building are condemed. Administration announced that they will be rebuilding, but this will take years. Our town's other hospital did not get hit, but has not water, can't sterilize instruments, etc. They are stabilizing and shipping patients out.

The ER/walk-in center at Memorial Hall was a little busier today as word gets out and the shock for a lot of folks starts wearing off. Amazing to think of a concert hall as a hospital, but it works! We are functioning as an ER, walk in clinic, etc. If folks show up, we will take care of them. The support from the community and well beyond has ben humbling. We have had volunteers and medical staff from Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Rogers, Springfield, St Louis, Kansas City as well as others. Food, supplies and aid from well beyond. Even had some folks from Vermont donated a MASH surgical unit. We are not wanting for anything given the situation.

As far as what to do, please keep up the prayers and support in the weeks to come. The national spotlight is on our town, but we will certainly fade from the healines later in the week. That is when we will really need the support as the shock fades, reality sinks in and folks begin to rebuild and get on with life. However, with a little help, we will be fine.

Another storm passed through a little while ago. The tornado sirens went off. They never bothered me before.

 

Steve, we are praying for you and those in Joplin. I'm so glad your family is safe. (Kathryn called the house on Monday to be sure.) I'm sure the pictures and videos only scratch the surface of the devistation and injury. I'm thankful there are people like yourself that are on the scene to assist others, making due with whatever you have. I pray you receive the help, encouragement, and resources you need not just now, but in the weeks and months to come. Thank you for your updates. It is encouraging for those of us who aren't there to hear of the positive steps being made to help those affected in the community.

Randy

 

I have never seen anything like this, let alone so close to home.

One horrible story after another ...

I am sending financial support and wishing for a speedy recovery for all.

 

Mercy Health System's photo album of tornado damage to St. John's Hospital in Joplin.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mercyhealth/show/

 

Thanks Randy. There are quite a few pictures of my office in there. Specifically the picuture of the 2 story building with no walls and the ultrasound machine sitting at the edge. Fortunately, not too hard to prove a total loss.