Houston's disabled community is set to benefit from a first-of-its-kind initiative, a clinic designed to equip those with disabilities to tackle disasters with greater confidence and resources. The Disaster Readiness and Resilience Clinic (DRRC), sponsored by a diverse coalition of local partners, aims to offer an accessible platform for preparation in times of emergencies. Houston and Harris County residents have been invited to attend this inaugural event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 4, at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, located at 1475 West Gray. This clinic promises a variety of services tailored to enhance disaster planning for individuals faced with unique challenges, as per the City of Atlanta press release.
The Houston-led initiative targets inclusivity as a cornerstone of regional resilience, providing those with distinctive needs the resources essential for navigating unforeseen circumstances. The clinic will deliver personalized guidance and assistance, as well aid in the development of individualized disaster preparedness plans. As the metropolitan embraces vulnerability, it strengthens against the tides of potential calamity. In a statement obtained by the organizers, residents with specific or unique needs are encouraged to participate in the clinic's offering.
A broad array of organizations have joined forces to make the clinic a reality, including the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, disaster management bodies, and several health departments. Fundamental to its operations, key community partners—such as Disability Rights Texas, Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council, Coalition for the Homeless, The Harris Center—have enlisted in the effort. This coordination comes under the guidance of the Disabilities, Access and Functional Needs workgroup from the Houston Urban Area Security Initiative. The initiative is a federal program recognizing specific urban areas, including Houston, as high-threat locations in need of enhanced preparedness efforts.
Registration for the event is open and interested participants are urged to book their spot through the clinic's website. Details on the services offered, as well as any updates regarding the clinic, can be obtained by calling the dedicated hotline at 832-393-4220. The outreach and creation of the clinic underscore a collective stride towards safeguarding all Houstonians, advocating for a city where the unforeseen does not leave the vulnerable forsaken.
