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Palinkas LA, Springgate BF, Sugarman OK, Hancock J, Wennerstrom A, Haywood C, Meyers D, Johnson A, Polk M, Pesson CL, Seay JE, Stallard CN, Wells KB. A Rapid Assessment of Disaster Preparedness Needs and Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020425. [PMID: 33430355 PMCID: PMC7825778 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence A. Palinkas
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-858-922-7265; Fax: +1-213-740-0789
| | - Benjamin F. Springgate
- LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (B.F.S.); (O.K.S.); (A.W.); (C.L.P.); (J.E.S.); (C.N.S.)
| | - Olivia K. Sugarman
- LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (B.F.S.); (O.K.S.); (A.W.); (C.L.P.); (J.E.S.); (C.N.S.)
| | - Jill Hancock
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Ashley Wennerstrom
- LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (B.F.S.); (O.K.S.); (A.W.); (C.L.P.); (J.E.S.); (C.N.S.)
| | - Catherine Haywood
- Louisiana Community Health Outreach Network, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA;
| | - Diana Meyers
- St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA;
| | - Arthur Johnson
- Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA;
| | - Mara Polk
- National Alliance on Metal Illness-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA;
| | - Carter L. Pesson
- LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (B.F.S.); (O.K.S.); (A.W.); (C.L.P.); (J.E.S.); (C.N.S.)
| | - Jessica E. Seay
- LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (B.F.S.); (O.K.S.); (A.W.); (C.L.P.); (J.E.S.); (C.N.S.)
| | - Caroline N. Stallard
- LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (B.F.S.); (O.K.S.); (A.W.); (C.L.P.); (J.E.S.); (C.N.S.)
| | - Kenneth B. Wells
- 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;
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