Original Article

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Evacuee Healthcare Efforts Remote from Hurricane Affected Areas

Authors: Phillip A. Rozeman, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Edward J. Mayeaux Jr, MD, DABFP, FAAFP

Abstract

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita produced the largest evacuation due to a natural disaster in United States history. Many people were evacuated or rescued from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, resulting in a need for mass disaster shelters and medical care for months following the storms. The shelter healthcare system that was successfully developed in the Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana area was accomplished with little support from customary sources. This report is written after much discussion and introspection of community leaders involved “on the ground,” who organized and provided medical services to evacuees of south Louisiana. Its purpose is to compile “lessons learned” in preparation for the next disaster recovery effort that might affect this or any other region of our country.


Key Points


* Effective management of evacuee healthcare efforts depend on a thorough understanding of the capacity and networks available with established community health systems, pharmacies, medical clinics, and medical support services.


* The spirit of volunteerism in America is an ingrained part of our heritage but must be used wisely and effectively. In a large scale disaster and evacuation, capacity for service (especially healthcare) should be captured and utilized.


* Effective communication is the key to managing disaster recovery—especially evacuee healthcare efforts. Existing daily communication sources can be overwhelmed as a result of a disaster, and emergency plans must be in place beforehand.

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