Lawrence A Palinkas1, Benjamin F Springgate2, Olivia K Sugarman2, Jill Hancock3, Ashley Wennerstrom2, Catherine Haywood4, Diana Meyers5, Arthur Johnson6, Mara Polk7, Carter L Pesson2, Jessica E Seay2, Caroline N Stallard2, Kenneth B Wells8. 1. Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA. 2. LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. 3. Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA. 4. Louisiana Community Health Outreach Network, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA. 5. St. Anna's Episcopal Church, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA. 6. Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA. 7. National Alliance on Metal Illness-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA. 8. Center for Health Services and Society, Jane and Terry Semel Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Abstract
Background: This year has seen the emergence of two major crises, a significant increase in the frequency and severity of hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known as to how each of these two events have impacted the other. A rapid qualitative assessment was conducted to determine the impact of the pandemic on preparedness and response to natural disasters and the impact of past experiences with natural disasters in responding to the pandemic. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 representatives of 24 different community-based programs in southern Louisiana. Data were analyzed using procedures embedded in the Rapid Assessment Procedure-Informed Community Ethnography methodology, using techniques of immersion and crystallization and focused thematic analysis. Results: The pandemic has impacted the form and function of disaster preparedness, making it harder to plan for evacuations in the event of a hurricane. Specific concerns included being able to see people in person, providing food and other resources to residents who shelter in place, finding volunteers to assist in food distribution and other forms of disaster response, competing for funds to support disaster-related activities, developing new support infrastructures, and focusing on equity in disaster preparedness. However, several strengths based on disaster preparedness experience and capabilities were identified, including providing a framework for how to respond and adapt to COVID and integration of COVID response with their normal disaster preparedness activities. Conclusions: Although prior experience has enabled community-based organizations to respond to the pandemic, the pandemic is also creating new challenges to preparing for and responding to natural disasters.
Background: This year has seen the emergence of two major crises, a significant increase in the frequency and severity of hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known as to how each of these two events have impacted the other. A rapid qualitative assessment was conducted to determine the impact of the pandemic on preparedness and response to natural disasters and the impact of past experiences with natural disasters in responding to the pandemic. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 representatives of 24 different community-based programs in southern Louisiana. Data were analyzed using procedures embedded in the Rapid Assessment Procedure-Informed Community Ethnography methodology, using techniques of immersion and crystallization and focused thematic analysis. Results: The pandemic has impacted the form and function of disaster preparedness, making it harder to plan for evacuations in the event of a hurricane. Specific concerns included being able to see people in person, providing food and other resources to residents who shelter in place, finding volunteers to assist in food distribution and other forms of disaster response, competing for funds to support disaster-related activities, developing new support infrastructures, and focusing on equity in disaster preparedness. However, several strengths based on disaster preparedness experience and capabilities were identified, including providing a framework for how to respond and adapt to COVID and integration of COVID response with their normal disaster preparedness activities. Conclusions: Although prior experience has enabled community-based organizations to respond to the pandemic, the pandemic is also creating new challenges to preparing for and responding to natural disasters.
Authors: David M French; Greg A Hall; Todd McGeorge; Michael Haschker; Joseph G Brazeal; Ragan Dubose-Morris Journal: Disaster Med Public Health Prep Date: 2020-02 Impact factor: 1.385
Authors: Heather M Brandt; Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy; Daniela B Friedman; Danielle Gentile; Courtney Schrock; Tracey Thomas; Delia West Journal: J Public Health Manag Pract Date: 2019 Sep/Oct
Authors: Benjamin F Springgate; Armen C Arevian; Ashley Wennerstrom; Arthur J Johnson; David P Eisenman; Olivia K Sugarman; Catherine G Haywood; Edward J Trapido; Cathy D Sherbourne; Ashley Everett; Michael McCreary; Diana Meyers; Sheryl Kataoka; Lingqi Tang; Jennifer Sato; Kenneth B Wells Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-08-07 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Robin Keegan; Leslie T Grover; David Patron; Olivia K Sugarman; Krystal Griffith; Suzy Sonnier; Benjamin F Springgate; Lauren Crapanzano Jumonville; Sarah Gardner; Willie Massey; Jeanne Miranda; Bowen Chung; Kenneth B Wells; Stephen Phillippi; Ed Trapido; Alexa Ramirez; Diana Meyers; Catherine Haywood; Craig Landry; Ashley Wennerstrom Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-06-08 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Lawrence A Palinkas; Jessenia De Leon; Erika Salinas; Sonali Chu; Katharine Hunter; Timothy M Marshall; Eric Tadehara; Christopher M Strnad; Jonathan Purtle; Sarah McCue Horwitz; Mary M McKay; Kimberly E Hoagwood Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-09-13 Impact factor: 3.390