American Diabetes Association Statement on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
A report of the Disaster Response Task Force
- The Disaster Response Task Force*
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Vivian A. Fonseca, MD, FRCP, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Ave., SL 53, New Orleans, LA 70112. E-mail: vfonseca{at}tulane.edu
Recent disasters in the U.S., such as Hurricane Katrina, have caused the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to focus on the association's preparation and response to disasters. In addition, the difficulties encountered by many people with diabetes and their health care providers in the wake of Hurricane Katrina (1) have been highlighted and serve as a reminder to patients with this condition to be prepared for unexpected events that may seriously impact their disease management. Indeed, people with diabetes should always be prepared for personal and local, state, or federal emergencies, whether natural or otherwise. Such preparedness will lessen the impact an emergency may have on their condition. It is well recognized that major disasters have a significant impact on a variety of disorders, including diabetes, both in the short and long terms (2–11).
Lessons from Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina was one of the most destructive natural disasters to strike the U.S. The disruption of normal routines and the closure of health care facilities, with loss of medical records, was particularly difficult for those with chronic diseases, including diabetes.
Physician offices and pharmacies closed due to evacuation, and health care professionals and their staff suffered personal loss and tragedy, making it difficult for them to care for the needs of their patients. This may have led to a feeling of abandonment by patients. Furthermore, major medical centers became inaccessible—the three major teaching hospitals in Orleans parish were surrounded by flood water and remained closed several months after the disaster. Loss of electric power, telephones, and other means of communication and closure of roads due to flooding and fallen trees added to the complexity.
Individuals who evacuated found shelter in homes of family members or friends, hotels, or, for the very unfortunate, shelters, gyms, schools, or civic centers. Most, if not all, had …
