BayCare doctors working out of Plant City YMCA.
Over the last three weeks, two major storms, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, have left a path of destruction across several states, including Florida. Hundreds of thousands of individuals were displaced, lost their homes and precious belongings and remain without power.
In the aftermath of Helene and Milton, the YMCA has emerged as a vital hub of support and recovery for the countless affected individuals. Following Hurricane Milton's landfall on Thursday, October 10th, our YMCA staff quickly and safely assessed their facilities for damage and mobilized them to become operational to serve our community. Most of our YMCA facilities, serving as more than just a gym, became community hubs where families could work out, shower, charge their devices or simply enjoy air conditioning and comradery.
However, our Plant City Family YMCA, in particular, became a refuge for its members and the entire Plant City community. As of October 15th, over 160 non-YMCA members have visited our Plant City YMCA to use our showers, enjoy a meal and charge their devices.
Additionally, Theresa Sessions, our Plant City YMCA's Executive Director, opened YMCA doors to a team of local BayCare pediatric therapy doctors when Milton damaged their Building.
Dave Davenport, the Manager of Rehabilitation Services for BayCare shares, "The YMCA has gone above and beyond, and we are treating patients at the YMCA while our facility is under remediation. This is epic and extremely giving to our patients." This collaboration allows the doctors to continue providing essential care to their young patients, even after such a tragedy.
Theresa adds, "Our team has been amazing. Many of them were affected by one or both of the hurricanes, and they are all doing what they can to mobilize and support the individuals in our community."
Despite the devastation these storms have left, we have witnessed the remarkable resilience of our Tampa Bay community. Our thoughts remain with the individuals and communities whose lives have been forever changed by these natural disasters and the first responders who continue to put their lives on the line to assist those in need.
If you or someone you know needs services after Hurricanes Helene or Milton, please visit your local YMCA or visit your local government's website for county-specific information!
Published Wednesday, October 16, 2024.