A Katrina experience: lessons learned.
OBJECTIVE
Almost no data exist on how best to respond to the medical needs of civilians displaced by natural disasters. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed the Gulf Coast and seriously damaged the infrastructure of Jackson, Miss, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) was challenged with serving a large group of evacuees at a major Red Cross evacuation shelter near our campus. We reviewed our experiences and share lessons learned.


METHODS
This is a retrospective review of administrative and clinical records for patients served by a medical clinic established emergently after Hurricane Katrina.


RESULTS
Red Cross regulations precluded their volunteers from providing medical care other than first aid. Faced with numerous evacuees seeking medical assistance, UMMC established an ambulatory clinic at the shelter. The majority of patients had multiple medical problems, no medical insurance, and limited ability to purchase medications. The greatest need was for management of chronic illnesses. The clinic provided 2394 patient visits and filled more than 4902 prescriptions over 17 days.


CONCLUSIONS
While medical facilities have emergency response plans for epidemics and mass trauma, little attention has focused on plans for care of evacuated populations. Shelter operators should consider advance coordination of medical care with existing health care systems. Medical facilities along evacuation routes should be aware that they may be asked to provide care for sheltered evacuees.
Currier
Mary
M
Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss 39216, USA. mmcurrier@medicine.umsmed.edu
King
Deborah S
DS
Wofford
Marion R
MR
Daniel
Bethany J
BJ
Deshazo
Richard
R
D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004190:Disasters; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D008922:Mississippi; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018635:Rescue Work / Q000458:organization & administration; D012189:Retrospective Studies