Preparing for a Health Emergency

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Created on Friday, 21 November 2014 16:15
Written by Nick Aresco

vthealthconnectAROUND THE NEK- Health; the general condition of a person's mind and body. Keeping healthy is one of the most important things you can do, and being prepared for a pandemic or other health emergency can save you and your family in the long run.

According to the Vermont Department of Health Agency of Human Services, there are three actions that you can take to prepare for a medical emergency.

The first and most important step is to actually make a plan. If you need to leave a certain area due to a disaster or other type of emergency, make sure that you choose an out-of-town contact that you or your family members can call. Second, assemble a disaster "go-kit". This is where you will put all of your essentials, including first aid supplies, a sleeping bag, extra batteries, food, water, as well as cash and family documents. Thirdly, be prepared to take shelter anywhere, whether it be at home, work or school.

How you will fare in a public health emergency will ultimately depend on your prior planning and preparations. Of course, having health insurance is probably the most important when a medical emergency occurs. The problem many people run into is the cost of the insurance.

However, Vermonter's who can't afford health insurance may soon have a new way to do so. The Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce is working towards signing residents up for Vermont Health Connect, an affordable insurance company with different plans to best suit your needs.

Northeast Kingdom Director, Darcie McCann, encourages people to look into Vermont Health Connect if they think they are unable to afford health insurance.

"I had a family come in recently to tell me straight out that they were not going to sign up because they couldn't afford it, and the family ended up getting affordable health care as a result of that, and the kids were covered, and that's a wonderful thing." McCann said.

McCann encourages anyone who has any questions about the process of Vermont Health Connect or those who want to learn more about what you can do to get prepared for a medical emergency, to visit the Northeast Kingdom Chamber website at http://www.nekchamber.com. You can also call them and set up an appointment at 802-748-3678.