HJNO May/Jun 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS  I  MAY / JUN 2024 45 Dana Lawson, DNP, MHA, MSN, APRN, CCM Senior Vice President of Population Health Clinical Operations and Health Equity Louisiana Healthcare Connections availability of and access to clean drinking water, promoting proper hygiene practices, and conducting vector control activities to mitigate the proliferation of disease-carry- ing mosquitoes and other pests should all be included in preparedness planning. 2 Mental health impacts The stress and trauma of experiencing major weather-related disasters have had profound effects on mental health and well-being. Evacuations, property dam- age, loss of livelihoods, social isolation, and displacement from homes all con- tribute to prolonged anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among those impacted. Moreover, the un- certainty and unpredictability of future weather events exacerbate existing men- tal health conditions and strain coping mechanisms. 3 Weather preparation efforts should integrate psychosocial support services, including counseling, peer sup- port groups, and access to mental health resources to address the emotional and psychological needs of individuals and communities before, during, and after a disaster. Healthcare services access Maintaining healthcare services is crit- ical during weather emergencies when healthcare infrastructure may be com- promised and transportation may be dis- rupted. Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory ailments require contin- uous medications, medical supplies, and access to healthcare providers who can manage their health effectively. Weather preparation initiatives should prioritize the continuity of healthcare delivery by ensuring the availability of medical facili- ties, emergency medical services, and tele- health services, particularly in areas prone to isolation or evacuation. Prioritizing health considerations in weather preparation Develop comprehensive weather pre- paredness plans Collaborate with public health agencies, emergency management organizations, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to develop comprehensive weather preparedness plans that integrate health considerations into all phases of di- saster response, including mitigation, pre- paredness, response, and recovery. Intensify public awareness and education Conduct public awareness campaigns that educate residents on the health risks associated with various weather events and the importance of taking proactive measures to protect their health and safety. Utilize diverse communication channels to disseminate information and resources timely and consistently, including social media, community outreach events, and local media outlets. Strengthen healthcare infrastructure and resilience Invest in the resilience of healthcare infrastructure by upgrading facilities, improving emergency medical services, and enhancing telehealth capabilities to ensure continuity of care after a weather emergency. Establish partnerships with healthcare providers and medical facilities to coordinate response efforts and address the healthcare needs of vulnerable popu- lations. Prioritize equity and vulnerable popula- tions Address health disparities and ineq- uities in care by prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations, including low-in- come communities, racial and ethnic mi- norities, elderly individuals, and individu- als with disabilities. 4 Implement targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to healthcare services, state and federal assistance programs, and support systems. In Louisiana, weather preparation that integrates health considerations into di- saster planning and response efforts re- quires a multifaceted approach. By ad- dressing the diverse health challenges associated with hurricanes, floods, and extreme heat, health officials and stake- holders can enhance the resilience of in- dividuals and communities and mitigate the adverse impacts of weather-related disasters on public health. By developing health-focused weather-preparedness plans, policymakers, healthcare profes- sionals, and the public can achieve a more resilient and healthier Louisiana — one that is better prepared to confront the chal- lenges of an uncertain climate future. n REFERENCES 1 Sorenson, C.; Hess, J. “Treatment and prevention of heat-related illness.” New England Journal of Medicine 387, no. 15 (Oct. 13, 2022): 1404-1413. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp2210623 2 Lee, J.M.; Jansen, R.; Sanderson, K.E.; et al.” Public health emergency preparedness for infec- tious disease emergencies: a scoping review of recent evidence.” BMC Public Health, 23, article no. 420 (March 2, 2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/ s12889-023-15313-7 3 Hayes, K.; Blashki, G.; Wiseman, J.; et al. “Cli- mate change and mental health: risks, impacts and priority actions.” International Journal Men- tal Health Systems 12, article no. 28 (June 1, 2018). doi:10.1186/s13033-018-0210-6 4 Raker, E.J.; Arcaya, M.C.; Lowe, S.R.; et al. “Mit- igating Health Disparities After Natural Sisas- ters: Lessons From The RISK Project.” Health Affairs 39, no. 12 (December 2020). https://doi. org/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01161