ProMed Extends Sympathies to Joplin Tornado Victims

Team ProMed extends our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the tornado in Joplin, Missouri. We were saddened to learn today that at least 10 nursing home residents and one employee were killed in the storm.

According to an article in McKnight's, Greenbriar Nursing Home was directly in the path of the tornado. Ten of the home's employees fought to protect 85 residents in the building's central hallways, but several people were pulled through the roof by the high winds. As of Tuesday evening, one of Greenbriar's residents was still unaccounted for.

Greenbriar residents, along with residents from two other facilities that are uninhabitable following the tornado, have been moved to nearby facilities.

Jon Dolan, the executive director of the Missouri Health Care Association, credited Joplin's first responders and individual nursing home operators with saving many lives by successfully executing emergency evacuation plans.

The Red Cross is currently collecting donations for their disaster relief efforts in Joplin. The organization is providing shelter supplies, water, snacks and much-needed emotional support to people affected by the tornado. To donate to the Red Cross's disaster relief fund, click here.