The Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC) has launched a series of actions to help patients in Valencian cities affected by the Dana flood, reminding them of preventive measures to avoid injuries and infections resulting from stagnant water.
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Red Cross workers prepare the facilities for the multidisciplinary operation that the Red Cross has located in the Valencian city of Aldaia.EFE/ Miguel Ángel Polo
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Red Cross workers prepare the facilities for the multidisciplinary operation that the Red Cross has located in the Valencian city of Aldaia.EFE/ Miguel Ángel Polo
This organization met Queen Letizia to explain this initiative aimed at helping cancer patients and their families whose living conditions have been altered by the consequences of dana.
The association sends a message of tranquility regarding possible delays in oncological treatments, since in most cases they do not put their effectiveness at risk.
Furthermore, they request and collaborate with the authorities in the urgent movement and accommodation of people with cancer who are in the areas affected by dana.
THE AECC recalls the recommendation to the population suffering from cancer to adopt extreme hygiene and protection measures against possible infections or other injuries generated by mud and extreme conditions, making materials such as masks or hydroalcoholic gel available.
The Red Cross, the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases, ONCE, the Mental Health Confederation and CERMI also participated in the meeting.
The Queen asked that the work to help those affected by the dana, whom she thanked, be extended over time due to the profound damage suffered.
Actions in favor of cancer patients
- Transfers to hospitals: Support for cancer patients so that they can go to hospitals to receive cancer treatment, always accompanied by volunteers.
- Accommodation: Management of accommodation for patients who have lost their homes or who, due to damage, have difficulty reaching the hospital from their homes.
- Psychological support: The Spanish Association against Cancer maintains its psychological assistance to patients and families and has offered the service to the Department of Health and the College of Psychologists of the Valencian Community to offer psychological support to any person affected by the emergency. Specifically, 75 patients and 12 minors were treated.
- Social support: Since the Association’s inception, 471 people have been cared for by the Social Care team.
- Centralization in Infocancer service: All calls have been centralized on the Infocáncer service (24/7 telephone service) to ensure a quick response.
- Organization of team of volunteers with the aim of greater efficiency in the distribution of food to people who need it.
- The Association also offers consultancy and offers information to people who need it right now, connecting them with other available resources based on their needs in order to cover the needs they have due to the situation.
Social help for those affected
Red Cross, as explained by its general coordinator, María Ángeles Cacereñoparticipates in the emergency with almost two thousand people who, in addition to cleaning and clearing debris with multidisciplinary teams, provide immediate healthcare and psychological first aid, since all teams include people specialized in psychosocial intervention.
Red Cross It has teams tasked with distributing materials and food – in collaboration with the UME – and identifying the needs of the population. And, according to the College of Pharmacists of Valencia, volunteers bring home the necessary medicines.
From FEDER, Isabel Motero highlighted the loss that many families have suffered due to orthopedic products and the need to ensure maintenance of therapies and access by people suffering from rare diseases, as those affected cannot attend rehabilitation therapies. They also pointed out that having families clean and remove debris means they cannot care for people with severe disabilities.
Nel González Zapico, president of the Spanish Confederation of Mental Healthsent to the queen the “essential” request of the Mental Health Federation of the Valenc
Miguel Carballeda, president of the general council of ONCE informed the Queen that, among other actions, teams made up of mobility technicians, social workers and psychologists are visiting the most affected areas to assist those in need and are analyzing the terrain to open transit routes for the blind from their homes bus departure points.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Laura Gómez, Cancer Care Specialist at AECC
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Gómez, and thank you for joining us today. The work being done by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) in response to the recent Dana floods is commendable. Can you start by explaining the unique challenges cancer patients face in such disaster situations?
Dr. Laura Gómez: Good morning, and thank you for having me. When disasters like the Dana floods occur, cancer patients face multiple challenges. Many may lose their homes, their access to treatment can be disrupted, and the stress of the situation can profoundly affect their mental health. In addition, the potential for infections increases due to compromised living conditions, particularly with stagnant water present, which can harbor bacteria.
Time.news Editor: That’s very important to highlight. I understand that AECC has implemented several key initiatives to support these patients. Can you elaborate on some of these actions?
Dr. Laura Gómez: Certainly. We’ve taken a comprehensive approach to assist our patients. First, we are providing transfers to hospitals, ensuring that cancer patients can still receive their treatments with the support of volunteers. Additionally, we are managing accommodations for those who have lost their homes or are otherwise unable to reach their treatment centers due to flood damage.
Time.news Editor: That sounds incredibly supportive. What about the psychological aspect? Many individuals must be experiencing significant stress.
Dr. Laura Gómez: You’re correct. The psychological toll can be immense, which is why AECC continues to provide psychological support to both patients and their families. We’ve partnered with local health departments and the College of Psychologists in Valencia to extend our services to anyone affected by the disaster, treating both adults and children.
Time.news Editor: It’s reassuring to know that mental health support is available. Can you tell us how the AECC is addressing hygiene and safety concerns for these vulnerable patients?
Dr. Laura Gómez: Absolutely. We are actively reminding patients to adopt strict hygiene measures to prevent infections, such as using masks and hydroalcoholic gels, especially when dealing with conditions created by the flooding. Furthermore, we have centralized our support through our Infocancer service, ensuring quick responses to any urgent queries or needs.
Time.news Editor: It seems coordination is key in situations like this. Can you tell us about the role of other organizations in this initiative?
Dr. Laura Gómez: The collaboration has been essential. Organizations like the Red Cross, Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases, ONCE, and CERMI have all contributed to our efforts. This teamwork allows us to effectively distribute resources such as food and assist those in need more efficiently.
Time.news Editor: That’s great to hear. I understand that Queen Letizia met with AECC to discuss these initiatives. How did that interaction contribute to your outreach efforts?
Dr. Laura Gómez: The meeting with Queen Letizia was incredibly significant for our cause. Her support helps amplify our message and reminds us all of the importance of extending our help for as long as necessary. It instills a sense of hope and urgency among the community, which is crucial in times like these.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, what message would you like to share with our readers regarding the ongoing support for cancer patients affected by such natural disasters?
Dr. Laura Gómez: I would like to remind everyone that support is available, and it’s crucial to reach out if you or someone you know is affected. We are here for both physical and emotional support. Together, we can create a network of care that ensures no one faces this alone. Please stay informed on hygiene and safety measures, and reach out to organizations like AECC for assistance.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gómez, for sharing these insights and the impactful work your organization is doing. It’s vital information for our community.
Dr. Laura Gómez: Thank you for having me and for helping to share this important message.