How to help Texas flood victims
Texas Dental Association shares ways to support relief organizations
At least 129 people have died and more than 170 remain missing as of July 13 after flash floods swept across central Texas’ Hill Country region on July 4, according to media reports.
As first responders continue their search efforts, groups like the Texas Dental Association are rallying around those affected.
In an email to members on July 9, President Glen Hall, D.D.S., offered a message of solidarity and support for those with ties to the Hill Country.
“As an Association whose family extends beyond the profession of dentistry, we stand united in the face of adversity, our hearts heavy with sorrow for the devastating floods that have swept through the Texas Hill Country,” Dr. Hall said. “To the families in Kerr, Burnet, San Saba, Travis, and Williamson counties who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, we share your grief and pain. What should have been a time of joy and celebration has, for many, become a time of survival and unimaginable loss.”
Lee Ann Johnson, director of member services for the Texas Dental Association, lives in Marble Falls in the Hill Country. She said flooding in her town and others nearby was “devastating,” and while her home sustained some damage, it was “minor compared to what others in our communities have endured.”
Ms. Johnson has been volunteering with local organization Ark of Highland Lakes to help with food distribution to displaced residents and first responders. The organization — founded after a severe flood in 2018 — provides immediate disaster relief through food, temporary housing and supports to meet other basic needs. It also offers resources long term, and there are currently more than 100 flood victims who will receive services from the Ark until they have fully recovered, she said.
“We live in small communities in this area of Texas, and everyone knows someone that has lost their home, their business, a loved one or a community member,” Ms. Johnson said. “We are all heartbroken, but Texans help Texans, and the outpouring of help, love and support is nothing short of overwhelming in the best way.”
The Texas Dental Association encourages dental professionals looking to help to donate to the following organizations:
• Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: Supports local recovery efforts in Kerr County. Donate at kerrcountyrelief.org or 830-555-1234.
• World Central Kitchen: Provides meals to those displaced by the floods. Donate at wck.org or 202-844-6330.
• Ark of Highland Lakes: Supports Marble Falls, Burnet and surrounding areas. Donate at arkofhighlandlakes.org.
• Salvation Army: Delivers emergency aid and provides long-term recovery support. Donate at salvationarmyusa.org or 1-800-725-2769.
• TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue): Assists with search and rescue operations. Donate at texsar.org or 512-994-2574.
• Kerrville Pets Alive: Helps animals displaced by the floods. Donate at kerrvillepetsalive.org or 830-555-5678.
• American Red Cross: Offers shelter, supplies and support to flood victims. Donate at redcross.org or 1-800-733-2767.
In a July 10 letter to Dr. Hall and Duc "Duke" M. Ho, D.D.S., interim executive director of the Texas Dental Association, leaders from the American Dental Association expressed their “heartfelt concern for all those affected by the devastating flooding throughout Texas.”
“As you navigate through the aftermath of this disaster, please know that the ADA is committed to supporting and amplifying relief efforts wherever possible. Collaboration is key in times like these, and we're here to help,” said the letter, signed by President Brett H. Kessler, D.D.S.; President-elect Richard J. Rosato, D.M.D.; and Interim Executive Director Elizabeth A. Shapiro, D.D.S., J.D.
Find more information on the ADA’s disaster relief donation page at ADA.org/disasterrelief.
