Katrina and Social Determinants of Health: Toward a Comprehensive Community Emergency Preparedness Approach

Katrina made landfall in southeast Louisiana on August 29, 2005 as a category four hurricane. This Hurricane proved to be one of the most devastating natural disasters in US history with unofficial death estimates ranging from 1,500 to over 4,000. As of this writing, the post-Katrina mortality rate in Louisiana remains unclear. Two years later, Katrina's overwhelming impact continues to affect the lives of survivors. Thousands of individuals, young and old, remain dispersed across the country. Today's New Orleans is roughly half the size it was prior to Katrina. The Unified New Orleans Plan (UNOP) provided moderate scenario population estimates of 225,257 residents in January 2007, 267,631 by 2008, and 299,278 by January 2009. According to the UNOP, population growth is expected to occur slowly with a slight increase associated with the Road Home funds. Nonetheless, many residents have decided not to return, while others anticipate returning when the conditions necessary to support a safer return are in place. The aftermath of this disaster will impact immeasurably at least two generations. There is a plethora of failures at all levels of government associated with the Katrina disaster. Truthfully, everything broke down; governments, private sector organizations, and individuals were ill prepared to respond in a timely manner. Indeed a legitimate role exists for criticism in that it can lead to learning and improvement. To what extent have we acted on what we've learned? Are we better prepared today than we were before Katrina? How much better prepared? Enough to make a difference should another hurricane or other disaster strike