ABSTRACT
Background
The impending landfall of Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast resulted
in large numbers of evacuees into the Jackson, Mississippi area. Many evacuees with
chronic medical problems had been directed to the Mississippi Coliseum in the downtown
area near the University of Mississippi Medical Center. As the storm passed through
Jackson, serious damage occurred to the municipal infrastructure. In this article,
we asked how that experience has affected health planning for the care of sheltered
populations.
Methods
We reviewed the information accumulated in the course of operating a large medical
clinic for evacuees at the Mississippi Coliseum. We also contacted representatives
of disaster planning agencies and of healthcare planning organizations to determine
changes that have occurred in strategic plans subsequent to Katrina.
Results
Using the resources of our academic health center, we were able to effectively deliver
healthcare to sheltered evacuees. A model has been developed for future use from this
experience. Much progress has been made toward preparation for care of the chronically-ill
who may be displaced by future disasters.
Conclusion
Hospitals and clinics on major evacuation routes for natural disasters can expect
the sudden necessity to provide care to evacuees. Unless plans to care for chronically-ill
individuals are incorporated into hospital disaster plans, local healthcare facilities
may be unprepared to provide care. Many evacuees will have limited resources to pay
for services. Academic medical centers have unique resources and capabilities to lead
in the care plans for these populations.
KEY INDEXING TERMS
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References
- A look at Hurricane Katrina. 2008 (Available at, Accessed March 21)
- Mississippians urged to take precautions for Hurricane Katrina. 2005 (August 28, Available at)
- Katrina’s fatal blow. 2005: 9A (Clarion Ledger [serial online: Available at] September 1, Accessed March 21, 2008)
- Hurricane Katrina. 2005: 1B (Clarion Ledger [serial online: Available at] September 6, Accessed March 21, 2008)
- A Katrina experience: lessons learned.Am J Med. 2006; 119: 986-992
- Disaster Health Services ARC 30-3042. 1998: 16
- Mississippi Code of 1972 as amended, Emergency Management Assistance Compact of 2000. 2000 (Title 45, Chapter 18-3, Article 5. April 17)
- Mississippi Code of 1972 as amended, Emergency Management Powers of Governor. 2006 (Title 33, Chapter 15-11. March 20)
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
May 23,
2008
Received:
April 29,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
