A new house-to-house survey of people living in Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes documents the impact Hurricane Katrina has had on the physical and mental health and economic well-being of New Orleans area residents. The Kaiser Family Foundation study found that in the aftermath of Katrina, the vast majority (81%) of those now living in Greater New Orleans have seen their quality of life deteriorate in at least one of seven critical aspects of their lives. More than half (55%) reported problems in two or more areas.
Getting and affording high-quality health care stands out as a particularly widespread challenge, with 49% of area residents saying they are facing a significant obstacle to getting needed care. Nearly as many (43%) reported that they are in fair or poor health or have a chronic health condition, while nearly one in five (18%) reported some type of mental health challenge.
The survey also found a sharp divide in the way that African Americans and whites in the New Orleans area experienced the storm and perceive the recovery efforts, especially in Orleans Parish. Seven in 10 African Americans in that parish (72%) reported a problem accessing health care--more than twice the rate reported by whites in the same parish (32%).
Future Kaiser surveys planned in 18 months and 36 months will monitor progress and changes.
