Reflections on Hurricane Ian: Lisa Gillespie

VCA Voice: A Veterinary Podcast

On this episode of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl welcomes Lisa Gillespie.
Lisa is the Regional Operations Director (ROD) for the Southeast Region, which includes southwest Florida.
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 event with 150 mph winds. It was the first Category 4 hurricane to hit Florida in 18 years and the fifth-strongest hurricane ever to hit the United States.
Approximately 800 VCA Associates were in the initial path of the storm.
Field leadership estimates that 110 were severely impacted, including Medical Directors, Hospital Managers, and team members.
Some lost cars and homes due to flooding and at least one home burned.
Forty of the 60 grants awarded through the Better Together Fund were awarded to VCA Associates. Through it all, VCA Associates continued caring for 24 patients that were unable to be evacuated, and several hospitals were able to get up and running to support community need.
In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Kerl, Lisa shares her experience of leading a region through a national disaster, from the moment of crisis activation through preparation, landfall, recovery, rebuilding, and reopening.
For more information on the Better Together Fund mentioned in this episode, please visit www.marsbettertogetherfund.org
Please visit this site for more information about the AVMA Disaster Preparedness program.

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