Survey to assess health impacts of Katrina and Rita
People whose health was directly affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita -- whether as evacuees, displaced persons, rescue and recovery workers, or volunteers -- are invited to participate in a groundbreaking national survey that will assess the storms' impact on mental and physical well-being. The survey's sponsors, the Louisiana Environmental Action Network and Partners Publishing, explain their aims:
The primary purpose of the survey is to identify the current health status of individuals whose physical and psychological health remains negatively impacted from exposures to flood waters, hurricane sediment, water-damaged buildings, mold, formaldehyde and/or mold in FEMA-provided trailers, mobile homes, or park models, and/or other contaminants incurred during and/or after Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, and/or from other contaminant-laden post-hurricane housing. The secondary purpose of the survey is to identify the total number of people who have become physically and/or psychologically ill since hurricanes Katrina and Rita to assist in identifying health trends, patterns of illnesses, and geographic clusters of increased levels of illnesses.The The 2008 Nationwide Katrina and Rita Health Survey will be available online during an eight-week period that began yesterday and ends May 7. Results will be compiled by town, parish and state. Information on preliminary data will be released midway through the survey period, with a full report set for its conclusion. A Spanish version of the survey will be available by March 24, organizers say.
Labels: Gulf Coast Reconstruction Watch, Hurricane Katrina, louisiana, Louisiana Environmental Action Network, Partners Publishing, public health
1 Comments:
Hi, I've been doing quite a bit of work on the Gulf Coast. Most poor people don't have access to email or computer. Further if they're depressed which a great majority are it is very difficult to complete a survey of any kind. Have you coordinated with community groups on the ground? I question the utility of this survey. There is a serious need for a face to face survey of households in the city as well of people who haven't returned due to inadequate housing supply and health care. Middle class have surely been affected as well, but I wonder who you are really trying to reach? Please apply your resources to something other than an online survey.
Bev Freeman
Boston, Mass.
617 835 5187
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