Public health system: Overcoming the ravages of Katrina

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Lovetta Ann Brown, MD, MPH, CP, Medical Director, Office of Health Disparity Elimination, Mississippi Department of Health, 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700, 601-576-8102, Lovetta.Brown@msdh.state.ms.us

The Public Health system was being restored by some of the preventive activities of bioterrorism when Katrina roared a shore. This presentation will map out the journey of recovery of the public health system and the victims of Katrina. It will discuss numerous roadblocks and detours confronted by victims and those trying to help. And will include areas of great concern for the safety of the public. It will encourage the need for all segments of the community to protect themselves, family and community. Finally it will share some of the lessons learned on our journey.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to

Delineate the components of the response of the Mississippi Department of Health to Katrina.
Identify the role of the public health system in the recovery process.
Describe strategies for preparing for future disasters.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation

Katrina: Through the Lens of Public Health and Human Rights

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA