Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Why are their racial differences among disaster survivors’ self-reported government satisfaction? This paper assesses explanations for racial differences among Hurricane Katrina survivors. Two explanations are offered and tested. The first explanation is an environmental racism hypothesis. This explanation suggests that poor, minority populations are more vulnerable in their housing quality, location, and insurance compared to whites. Consequently, these minority populations suffered disproportionately from Katrina in both the event and in perceptions of government response. A second explanation relates to the social networks literature. This literature underscores how collective action depends upon social networks (e.g., the role that the black church played in the civic rights movement). In short, the racial differences in disaster recovery may be due to smaller and weaker social networks among minorities.

This study draws from primary data of Hurricane Katrina survivors. Five months after Hurricane Katrina, an interdisciplinary team of social scientists conducted a housing census and field survey of Katrina survivors in Hancock and Harrison counties, the two hardest hit counties in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region. We conducted a representative (stratified, multi-stage cluster design) field survey of Katrina survivors within the affected population. A team of researchers visited surviving or temporary homes in the South Mississippi communities of Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis, Long Beach, and Waveland. Eighty-one census blocks out of a total of 540 were selected using a random start cluster sample. Researchers canvassed on foot these 81 blocks resulting in 425 completed surveys of Katrina survivors.

This research relates to public policy, race and ethnicity, and public opinion. The study will also interest researchers concerned with the public response to Hurricane Katrina.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Using a new theoretical model, this content analysis assessed ethical orientation of news articles about Hurricane Katrina in two national newspapers and one local newspaper. Consisting with previous crisis studies, the study found that community loyalty and teleology approach are dominant in the articles, and articles with ethical orientation of community deontology, most of which addressed on the disaster impact and people’s countermeasures, have more positive tones than those with national deontology. The study echoed the literature that news articles bring ethical information, and proposed a topic for future studies to assess impact of the ethical information to audiences.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Intent: To develop a disaster relief elective that would refine problem solving, self-directed and service learning skills. Process: A disaster relief experiential elective rotation was developed for fourth year pharmacy students. The syllabus, created largely by students, defined the rotation objective as assistance with disaster relief efforts in whatever capacity students felt they could best serve. Students were instructed to use their skills as pharmacy students to the best of their abilities and as efficiently as possible. Students provided daily reflections and met weekly with the preceptor to review objectives, progress, and problems. Students also delivered a Professional Seminar Series (PSS) to the entire pharmacy school regarding disaster impact, rotation development, rotation accomplishments, and disaster relief organizations. Outcomes: Students independently identified areas of pharmacy need including a charitable pharmacy, an International Medical Alliance emergency medical clinic where they established a pharmacy, and a relief shelter where they assisted in obtaining medications and supplies. Students gained a direct education regarding the organization and structure of disaster relief organizations, their roles, and how to provide volunteer services. Implications: Students served disaster relief victims in many ways that may not be measurable, but the immeasurable gains were enormous: professional maturity and growth, compassion, initiative, resilience, servitude, and humanity. Pharmacy students demonstrated that they had the professional maturity, initiative and flexibility to identify areas where they could be of most assistance and actively participate. The students gained an invaluable experience that will continue to provide them with a sense of professional servitude and humanity.

Publication Type: Proceeding

Publication Type: Proceeding