THE INTEGRATION OF MOBILE PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE
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Another example of a mobile health clinic, which was part of post-Katrina disaster relief and a mobile medical program called Operation Assist, was implemented into various areas of Mississippi to provide access to healthcare. Krol, Redlener, Shapiro, and Wainberg (2007) believed that this program allowed for community outreach to identify people in need of healthcare who might have suffered from adverse health consequences, bringing care to their doorstep (p. 338). The facility also allowed for the ability to search for patient populations who may have become isolated from the community following the disaster and may not have had typical access to medical services. The clinic provided a wide range of medical services and supplies, including medications and vaccinations, to underserved populations of people. This mobile medical unit became a substitute for permanent clinics until they were able to be up and running again (p. 338). Mobile medical units or clinics can be a temporary solution to the lack of healthcare or medical resources in a community. However, the disadvantages should be considered before implementing a mobile healthcare facility for disaster relief situations or underserved communities. Shelters Shelter is a significant aspect of disaster relief. People who have lost their homes, their communities, and their belongings must live in temporary shelters that may have no consideration for privacy or personal space. Often, these shelters are overcrowded with people who have a lack of resources to healthcare, food, and sanitation. During these situations, it is important to consider the community and the culture of the people who will be living in temporary housing or shelters. An example of a temporary post-disaster housing project can be