Access To Care Among Displaced Mississippi Residents In FEMA Travel Trailer Parks Two Years After Katrina

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The health care needs of Gulf Coast residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 who remain in travel trailer parks nearly three years later have not been evaluated. We conducted a population-based assessment of the health care access of residents of these travel trailer parks in Mississippi. Our findings indicate a worsening of chronic disease, mental illness, and barriers to health care access since displacement. Meeting both the chronic disease and the mental health needs of people displaced by the hurricanes of 2005 is essential for ensuring their full recovery and that of the region. [Health Affairs 27,no. 5

Social isolation and cancer management – advanced rectal cancer with patient delay following the 2011 triple disaster in Fukushima, Japan: a case report

“…In addition, while there is increasing interest in nuclear energy [39], concerns remain about future nuclear disasters [40]. Natural disasters may similarly expose their victims to social isolation and its various health consequences, as seen in reports from Hurricane Katrina [41, 42], and the occurrence and severity of this type of disaster are currently on the rise worldwide due to global warming [43]. The potential for a simultaneous increase of elderly populations and risk of both nuclear and natural disasters calls for improved attention to the broader impacts of social isolation among the elderly.…”

Determining Satisfaction with Access and Financial Aspects of Care for Persons Exposed to Libby Amphibole Asbestos: Rural and National Environmental Policy Implications

“…Shehab et al [41] highlighted the need for policies addressing mental and physical health issues when individuals are displaced due to a natural disaster. The authors found high levels of depression and physical disorders in individuals relocated to US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) travel trailer parks during and in the long aftermath of Hurricane Katrina [41].…”

“…Shehab et al [41] highlighted the need for policies addressing mental and physical health issues when individuals are displaced due to a natural disaster. The authors found high levels of depression and physical disorders in individuals relocated to US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) travel trailer parks during and in the long aftermath of Hurricane Katrina [41]. Another study found specialty care out of reach for uninsured or underinsured individuals even with the safety net provided by teaching hospitals where initial access was assured [42].…”

Supplemental Security Income recipients affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: an analysis of two years of administrative data

“…Fields et al (2007) found high levels of mold, contaminated drinking water, and other environmental health hazards that may result in long-term health issues in post-Katrina New Orleans. Shehab et al (2008) found problems with access to care and a worsening of chronic conditions and mental illness 2 years after the hurricanes among individuals living in FEMA travel trailer parks. Wang et al (2007) found low levels of service utilization and under-treatment among adult hurricane survivors with mental illnesses in the FEMA-declared disaster counties of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.…”

“…Moreover, long-term health issues caused by the hurricanes may make some victims eligible for SSI and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (Government Accountability Office 2007). Indeed, several studies have found problems with access to care and adequacy of care, and a worsening of chronic conditions and mental illness among individuals displaced by the hurricanes (Shehab et al 2008;Abramson et al 2008;Wang et al 2007). Given that the purpose of the SSI program is to assure ''a minimum level of income to people who are aged, blind, or disabled and who have limited income and resources,'' 3 it is important for SSA to understand how SSI recipients fare after a catastrophe that affects their basic needs.…”