Q&A: Long-term consequences of natural disasters

Q: What do case managers need to know about populations affected by natural disasters?

A: Regions of the country affected by natural disasters must often reconcile loss of their community infrastructure. Physical losses from these storms appear in graphic detail across social media. Around the clock broadcasts reveal images of death, personal physical or property destruction, injury, and devastation to the involved regions. The severity of recent consecutive hurricane seasons has populations engaged in daily struggles with employment, social isolation, food insufficiency, poverty, education, and access to health and behavioral healthcare. Severe flooding creates public health emergencies of grand proportion, with many people trying to stay in their ravaged homes despite mold and other risks. Not all persons have homeowners insurance, particularly individuals living in poverty.

Smaller towns and communities may have lost their only pharmacy, grocery store, and gas station. Damages to hospitals and clinics may render the facilities unusable or limit the services available. Roads may need to be rebuilt to allow for safe travel within the region and between neighboring towns. The financial pressures prompt ongoing stress for anyone touched by the disaster. Many of the affected regions struggle for years to achieve a balance, let alone return to normal functioning.

For more information, see The Social Determinants of Health: Case Management's Next Frontier.