Our team at Lyons & Simmons, LLP is proud to team up with one of our clients, Paragon Healthcare, to fly much-needed medical supplies to the Houston area. Due to a severe limitation of cargo flights in and out of Houston airports, and because of the extreme flooding, it has been difficult for the area to gather necessary medical supplies. In an effort to help the victims of the hurricane who are in serious need of these pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, our firm sent our private jet to lend a helping hand.
When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, countless Texans experienced the severe flooding, high winds, and dangerous stormy weather. As a result, thousands have been displaced from their homes, leaving them with little to no access to their possessions. In some cases, this means a limited access to regular medicines or health care facilities. Whether the issue is borne from flooded clinics or inoperable health care facilities, numerous Houston residents are in need of medical supplies and medicines.
Paragon, a Dallas-based pharmaceutical services company, came to Lyons & Simmons, LLP to let our team know about the pressing need for medical supplies in Houston. Following the hurricane disaster, it became apparent that medical supplies and relief efforts were still much needed. Luckily, Lyons & Simmons, LLP co-owns a private jet with Allen and another Paragon executive. We decided to send supplies of vital medication and medical supplies to help victims dealing with chronic conditions or those in need of post-acute care.
One of our firm’s Founding Partners, Michael Lyons said: “These are patients who have organ transplants, or people who need IV antibiotics or they will die.” Lyons & Simmons, LLP then decided to make the jet available for the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, even paying for the expenses associated with operating the jet. Our firm paid for transportation to and from the Houston area, including hourly maintenance cost, fuel cost, and pilot cost.
The jet flew to Houston area twice to bring the city medical supplies, once on Thursday and again on Friday. During the first trip, the plane brought enough medical supplies and medicines to help 100 people, including high acuity patients, those mending from cardiac transplants, as well as nutritional and hospice patients. On Friday, the medical supplies met the needs of 75 more patients.
Due to chaotic atmosphere of the Houston airports, due to flooding, a high volume of helicopters, and strict access limitations, it was challenging to gain permission to land. Lyons explains that they had to contact airport managers and seek permission to land the aircraft within a specific window of time. Once the jet landed, 15 drivers collected the medicines and supplies, delivering them throughout the city.
Michael Lyons explained, “I’m really proud of our little law firm that we could do this. We pride ourselves in being bold, even though we’re a small firm. It was a really important undertaking that was very worthy of our attention. We are glad to be associated with it.”
Our firm is also glad to say each of our lawyers at our Houston office is safe and well.
To get in touch with our Dallas lawyers, contact Lyons & Simmons, LLP today.
