In the event of a natural disaster or catastrophic event, Nebraska Medicine will communicate necessary information to patients on a variety of platforms, including:
Call 1.800.401.4444 or 402.559.5000 for recorded information.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
In a disaster, transplant programs follow emergency protocols, with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and individual transplant centers coordinating national and local efforts, respectively. Before an emergency happens, make a plan and gather the items and information you may need so you can act quickly if services are interrupted. Patients should prepare a 5–7-day supply of medications and emergency items and have a disaster plan that includes emergency contact information and medication details.
Heart Transplant Emergency Checklist
Kidney Pancreas Transplant Checklist
Liver Intestine Transplant Emergency Checklist
Lung Transplant Emergency Checklist
What to do before and during a disaster
- Prepare an emergency kit: Keep a 5–7-day supply of all medications, especially immunosuppressants and blood pressure medication. Include diabetic supplies if needed.
- Gather essential documents and information: Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, medication dosages and the names of your transplant team members.
- Follow instructions: Listen to and follow the guidance of local and state officials.
- Stay informed: Contact your transplant program for specific instructions and updates on your appointments and services.
- Know your program's communication method: Check the transplant center website or call a dedicated emergency hotline for updates during a crisis.
- Review available financial support: The American Kidney Fund (AKF) offers emergency financial assistance to dialysis and recent transplant patients affected by disasters to cover costs like medication replacement, temporary housing, and transportation.
- Use kidney emergency planning resources: KCER Coalition provides specific resources for emergency planning and response to kidney patients and providers.
How to get help
- If there is an emergency: Call 911 immediately.
- Contact your transplant program first:
- Liver, Intestine, Kidney, Pancreas: 402.559.5000.
- Lung: 402.238.5283.
- Heart: 402.253.5597.
- State Resources:
- National Resources:
- For financial assistance: Contact the American Kidney Fund to apply for disaster relief grants.
- For emergency financial aid: The American Transplant Foundation offers one-time, temporary assistance for certain situations.
- OPTN: https://OPTN.transplant.hrsa.gov.
- OPTN Patient Service Line: (888) 894-6361.