06/11/2026
Harris Health staff showed true grit and dedication through torrential rain and flooding from Tropical Storm Allison that devastated greater Houston and the Texas Medical Cener in June 2001, dumping up to 35 inches of rain in areas over a three-day period.
Staff at Harris Health Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson hospitals worked tirelessly and went beyond the call-of-duty to ensure the safety of patients and fellow employees. Harris Health facilities fared remarkably well, sustaining less than $1.5 million in flood-related damage.
After the June floods, Ben Taub Hospital served as the only Level I trauma hospital in town when a neighboring Level I trauma center was closed due to flooding. During Allison’s flooding, 31 patients were taken to Ben Taub Hospital from other deluged facilities. Meanwhile, although flood waters made LBJ Hospital a virtual island, staff continued uninterrupted service and accommodated 20 patients from other hospitals as well.
Staff sacrificed and juggled shifts to ensure safe staffing levels. These extraordinary efforts epitomize Harris Health staff’s commitment to the community.
