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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing |
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
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Challenges and Opportunities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Any relevant financial relationships? No
The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA