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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

P. Clay Stephens¹, DeAnn Gruber, PhD², Jack Carrell², William T. Robinson, PhD², and NOLA9 Workgroup¹. (1) School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, PO Box 2320, Albany, NY 12237, 518-475-7560, pstephen@nycap.rr.com, (2) Louisiana Office of Public Health, HIV/AIDS Program, 234 Loyola Ave., 5th Fl., New Orleans, LA 70112

OBJECTIVES: Assist the Louisiana HIV/AIDS Program's post-Katrina recovery; provide students “real-life/real-time” disaster recovery experience; work alongside public health practitioners as they reestablish needed services for PLWHIV/AIDS in NOLA. METHODS: SPH faculty offered Louisiana staff 9 student/faculty workers during the 12-05 semester break. Louisiana staff developed a surveillance, programming, and recovery-related needs task list. SPH students/faculty self-funded travel/lodging. On arrival, the workgroup received HIPPA/confidentiality training and assignments in surveillance, ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program) and CTS (Counseling/Testing Services) data management, and fieldwork in affected areas. RESULTS: In 11 days ³1,000 hours were worked: 4,000 condoms packs assembled; 200 flyers posted; ~5 months data entered and paper/electronic originals shredded following entry/review; business/residency status enumerated in key census tracts; displaced persons literature review conducted. DISCUSSION: Of 43 pre-Katrina AIDS Program staff, 13 were unable to return to work. Near total disruption of HIV programming placed time/workload pressure on remaining staff -- the same staff coping with their personal/family losses. The NOLA 9 processed backlog and staffed recovery activities. The students obtained invaluable hands-on experience; a deep understanding of disaster impact, and the opportunity to commit personal energy/time to a community in need.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• List at least four basic functions of the state HIV/AIDS office in which students participated.
• Articulate the difficulties of restarting/restoring each function, particularly during disaster recovery and loss of staff.
• Identify 3 or more surveillance activities which, if repeated weekly, would guide planning for reestablishment of normal surveillance functions.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Challenges and Opportunities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation