Disaster Preparation as a Public Health Issue
One Voice Mississippi Black Leadership Summit Jackson, Mississippi
November 21-22, 2024
Gerri A Cannon-Smith MD MPH FAAP Innovative Health Strategies
MS Health Professionals for Climate and Health Equity Founding Chair
Disclosures
I have no financial disclosures or conflicts of interest to report
Climate Change as a Public Health Issue
Playing Now In OUR Community
Rated EP for “Everybody’s Problem
CLIMATE CHANGE IS EVOLVING
CLIMATE CHANGES HEALTH & CHANGES IT DISPROPORTIONATELY
CLIMATE SOLUTIONS ARE HEALTH SOLUTIONS
MSHPCHE 2024
“
THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME MUST BE SEIZED WITHIN THE LIFETIME OF THE OPPORTUNITY”
Leonard Ravenhill
Objectives
To briefly categorize the disaster-related climate change impacts on the environment and discuss the potential direct and indirect health implications
To give examples of related health policy interventions based on lessons learned
To promote discussion of potential dual public planning and health policy opportunities designed to build individual and community resilience
Time frame for Health Risks
Drowning
Trauma
Hypothermia
Electrocution
Carbon Monoxide
poisoning
IMMEDIATE
Cutaneous infection
Aspiration pneumonia/ pneumonitis
Viral respiratory Infections
Gastroenteritis n
Leptospirosis
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Cutaneous infection form Atypical organisms
Hepatitis A or E
Mental Health Disorders
Management of Chronic Disease
Individual Vulnerability Health Outcome
Increased Visits ( 40-64yrs) for Dialysis, syncope, respiratory conditions
Increased ED Utilization for Dialysis, prescription refills, electrolyte disorders (>85Yrs)
Age
39% increase in deaths from Dementia in those who evacuated
Pts with Medicare: Diabetes w HTN, Chronic skin ulcers (84% increase)
Dehydration 66% higher overall, 85 % higher in elderly (New York)
Pre-Existing Conditions*
Socioeconomic Status**
(Evacuation zones)
Increased morbidity(illness) to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, septicemia, Asthma/respiratory conditions, Mental Health conditions
½ reported Allergy Symptoms
12.6% increase in overall morbidity
ED Visits: Pts dependent on dialysis and ventilators, homeless or elderly pts with diabetes, dementia, heart conditions, limited mobility, drug dependence; more likely to develop drug resistant infections and present with hypothermia and environmental exposures
Type 2 Diabetes increased by 84%
Disease Specific Effects of Hurricanes
● Unintentional Injuries
○ Drowning, Poisoning, Electrocution, cuts, punctures, Insect stings, tree-related injuries, traumatic head injuries , Burns*
○ Injuries for rehabilitation/restoration efforts ( 33% chainsaw; falls)
● Respiratory Illness
○ Associated with roof, glass, and storm damage in home
● Reproductive Health
○ Every 1% increase in destruction of housing loss associated with 1.7% increase in fetal loss(26); Preterm Births
○ Increased pregnancy complications (eg. Gestational HTN and renal disease; Hurricane Sandy
○ Postpartum ( 18 % depression & 13% PTSD);Katrina
MSHPCHE 2024
Disease Specific Effects of Hurricanes (cont’d)
● Chronic Conditions
○ Exacerbation of chronic conditions, including chronic kidney disease, Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia
○ Delayed renal transplants
● Mental Health
○ Increased ED and hospitalizations in those with pre-existing MH issues
○ Children, especially vulnerable with persistence of mental health issues
( up to 4 years Post Katrina)
○ Interpersonal Violence, Abuse, Poor Sleep Quality
○ PTSD, depression, and anxiety most common conditions & aggravated by multiple exposures and loss of close family
● Infectious Disease
○ Skin/Soft tissue infections, Gastrointestinal infections, Zoonotic infections(leptospirosis), Vector-borne diseases
○ Exacerbated by displacement, overcrowded shelters
