Healthcare Implications of the Katrina Disaster Planning: A case based approach from the Common Ground Health Clinic

Although wide media attention was given to the immediate impact of Katrina on New Orleans, the specific flaws of the preparedness plans are not generally understood, nor is there full appreciation of the depth of inadequacy of the government relief response that continues to this day. A brief description of the hurricane preparedness plans of New Orleans will be followed by a discussion of what happened with Katrina using a case-based approach to illustrate the current state of underserved and indigent care in the city. Many of the current problems stem from the previous healthcare system that were then exacerbated by the Katrina preparedness plans. The experience of New Orleans and Katrina have implications regarding health care policy including preparations for pandemic flu and other public health challenges. Spending money and time on possible but not likely risks (like terrorism) instead of providing resources for known risks and actual events also has serious negative impact on public health. Suggestions for alternative priorities and better allocation of resources will be presented.