Infusion nurse kayaks through hurricane damage to administer care

When Hurricane Debby brought torrential rain and rising floodwaters to Richmond Hill, Georgia, Kerry, an Optum Infusion Pharmacy nurse, didn’t consider calling off from work. She packed her infusion supplies, grabbed her kayak and paddled through her flooded neighborhood determined to reach her patients.  

“I was the only nurse in the area, and they all depended on me,” she said. “I couldn’t let them down. It’s more than my job … it’s my promise.”

Kerry knew the storm would make travel nearly impossible. But she also knew that for her patients, missing a scheduled infusion could mean serious setbacks.

Kerry’s story is extraordinary, but it’s not unusual at Optum Infusion Pharmacy. Across the country, more than 800 Optum home infusion nurses and 140 contracted home health agencies deliver high-quality, cost-effective infusion therapies in the comfort of patients’ homes or nearby outpatient suites.

These clinicians undergo more than 80 hours of training annually, ensuring they’re equipped to provide expert care with empathy and precision. They’re also supported by a national infrastructure that ensures 24/7 access to Optum pharmacies and seamless coordination with providers.

Patients who receive infusions may have conditions such as:

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency
• Autoimmune diseases
• Bleeding disorders
• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Immune deficiencies
• Neurological disorders
• Other chronic conditions

Optum Infusion Pharmacy is redefining what infusion care can look like — not just through clinical excellence, but through human connection. It’s a model built on trust, flexibility and a deep understanding of what patients need to thrive, creating ease through empathy and excellence.

Kerry’s story is just one example of the dedication Optum Infusion Pharmacy clinicians bring to every patient interaction. Optum is committed to replacing complexity with comfort and removing barriers that stand in the way of care, helping patients move forward with greater ease. Most of all, the team shows up with unmatched passion and purpose, because that’s what every patient deserves — no matter the circumstances.