5 questions about MD Anderson after Hurricane Harvey

While many of our employees, patients and the Gulf Coast region continue to recover from Hurricane Harvey, one thing remains unchanged: MD Anderson is open and here to provide exceptional cancer care for new and existing cancer patients.

Despite that, you may have some questions about MD Anderson during and after the storm. Below, we answer five common questions.

Is MD Anderson open?

Yes, our clinics have all resumed normal operations. Patients with scheduled appointments in the days and weeks ahead should plan to be here for their appointments. Our staff has been rescheduling patients whose appointments were cancelled when Houston experienced the effects of the storm (Aug. 27-Aug. 30).

“Our care teams were on the phones with patients as soon as weather conditions improved to answer their questions and get them rescheduled as soon as possible,” says Karen Lu, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer ad interim. “It was a team effort, and we proved that while the storm significantly impacted our people, we are committed to coming together to serve those who entrust us with their lives.”

If you’re traveling to Houston for your appointment, MD Anderson’s Patient Travel Services team can help you find a place to stay and even book your ground transportation and airfare. You can reach Patient Travel Services by calling toll-free 888-848-9992 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Patients from outside the United States can get help arranging travel from MD Anderson's International Center.

Is MD Anderson accepting new patients?

Yes, MD Anderson continues to accept and schedule new patients. If you’ve received a cancer diagnosis, you can request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.

Did MD Anderson flood during Hurricane Harvey?

No. While the streets around the Texas Medical Center filled with water during Hurricane Harvey, MD Anderson’s buildings didn’t sustain any flooding, thanks to the work our Facilities department did to prepare for high water ahead of the storm. That included installing 75 flood gates that kept the water out of our buildings. While some of our buildings experienced minor leaks, our Facilities department acted quickly to repair them so we could keep doing what we do best – caring for our patients.

Are the roads to MD Anderson still closed or under water?

The sun is shining, and all roads to and around MD Anderson are passable. While small sections on the west side of Houston and near the Texas/Louisiana border are still damaged, there are no critical closures and alternate routes are available. You can find out if any roads are affected and find alternative routes if necessary by using Houston Transtar's website or the Texas Department of Transportation's website.

Will I get sick from being in Houston after the storm?

While floodwaters, standing water and post-flood cleanup can increase the risk of infection, there are several steps you can take to prevent illness. These include:

• Keep your hands clean. Wash them frequently with water and soap.
• Clean and cover wounds.
• Limit exposure to mold and water-damaged spaces. Wear a surgical mask when exposed to environments where mold growth is possible.
• Get a flu vaccination if your doctor recommends it. Also talk to your doctor about whether you need a tetanus shot.
• Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellant.

If you have any concerns about your risk of infection or illness after Hurricane Harvey, speak with your primary care physician or your MD Anderson care team.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.