Where to look for state resource amid flooding cleanup

AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Texans continue to recover from the catastrophic Independence Day flooding, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is committed to provide food, baby formula, medical support, and emergency grants for rural hospitals.

This commitment comes less than a week after Governor Gregg Abbott announced nearly $2 million in emergency grants to hospitals in Llano and Kerrville which were impacted by the flooding. As communities continue to recover from the flooding, Abbott has promised continued support for all who have been impacted.

“From emergency hospital grants to mental health support to food to feed their families, the State of Texas continues to provide all available resources to help impacted Texans rebuild and recover,” Abbott said in a press release. “We will keep working hand-in-hand with residents, volunteers, and first responders until every Texan is back on their feet.”

Currently, individuals in affected counties who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are eligible for replacement benefits through early August. This allows recipients to replace food that was lost or destroyed in the flooding.

SNAP recipients — including those in Travis county — are able to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals using their benefits through Aug. 14.

HHSC is also working to replace food and baby formula provided through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children which were lost in the flooding. In order to receive replacements, WIC participants must go to a WIC office in person.

Individuals who lost their medications in the flooding are also newly eligible to refill their prescriptions early. This includes individuals enrolled in Medicaid, the Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program, and the Kidney Health Care Program.

For any broader needs, Texans can apply for Other Needs Assistance through the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s ONA program. Relief funds can be used for car repair and replacement, moving and storage, disaster-related medical needs, furniture, appliances, child care, and other expenses.

“HHSC serves Texans. That is our goal and our mission,” HHS Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young said in a press release. “We will continue to provide the necessary services and resources to help our fellow Texans as they take the next step toward healing.”