Online Program

Business Meeting

Women suffer disproportionately during and after disasters compared with men because they are more likely to live in poverty, are responsible for a greater share of childcare, and are at higher risk for gender-based violence. Pregnant women and infants also face special concerns during disasters, including disruption of clean water and food supplies, interruption of health care services, reduction in public health infrastructure, and exposure to environmental toxins. These concerns require that disaster preparedness and response efforts incorporate strategies that target the special needs of women and children in the aftermath of natural disasters. This session seeks to highlight the post-Katrina response efforts targeting women and children around Louisiana to highlight lessons learned and recommendations for planning future disaster response efforts. Panelists will discuss the effects of trauma from natural disasters on maternal and child health populations; public health department efforts to address the needs of women and children; and hospital evacuation of women, infants, and children. Audience members will have an opportunity to share their perspectives and contribute to the development of recommendations for future disaster response efforts targeting the needs of women and children.

Session Objectives: Define the unique challenges facing women and children during natural disasters Discuss local responses to Hurricane Katrina and lessons learned for maternal and child health populations Describe successful response efforts that are effective in addressing the needs of women and children Discuss how such efforts can be incorporated into routine disaster preparedness and planning activities