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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Cheryll Bowers-Stephens, MD, MBA, The Schopenhauer Group LLC, 7611 Maple Street, Suite F, New Orleans, LA 70117, 504-228-8997, CBSPSY@aol.com

On August 29th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic flooding in the Gulf south region of the United States. Consequently, individuals in leadership positions, public policymakers, first responders and citizens have faced unprecedented challenges to the status quo. This presentation reviews in detail the mental health impact of Hurricane Katrina. From preparations made prior to Katrina to the mental health aftermath of Katrina there are many lessons learned. The importance of the integration of mental health and public health in order to meet the mental health needs of the impacted community is stressed. In addition, Leadership lessons, public policy implications, and areas requiring further research are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the essential components of preparing a public administrative agency for disasters.
• Understand the differences between natural, man-made and technological disasters from a mental health perspective.
• Understand the impact of disasters on the mental health of the community.
• Understand the leadership challenges of public health officials before, during and after a disaster.
• Understand the key lessons learned from a leadership perspective after Hurricane Katrina.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No