As the initial shock of a hurricane subsides, communities face a long, challenging road to recovery. Kathleen Kohnke, SVP of Client Services at Ingenovis Health, is a seasoned healthcare executive with extensive experience navigating the aftermath of devastating storms. With years of firsthand knowledge gained from living and working through many hurricanes, Kathy offers invaluable insights on the downstream health effects that can unfold in the months and even years following a disaster and how that can impact the community’s healthcare delivery. She emphasizes that even as media attention fades, the agony, stress, and disruption to everyday life persist, leaving communities to grapple with the enduring challenges of recovery.

The Immediate Aftermath

In the immediate aftermath of a hurricane, necessities like access to medication, clean water and safe living conditions can become severely disrupted. Kathleen notes, "People can't get their medications because local pharmacies may not be there anymore, and those dependent on mail-order refills may not have mail service." These disruptions can have long-term consequences, particularly for those with chronic illnesses.

The cleanup process itself presents additional health risks. Kathleen notes, "People will be injured because they are trying to do cleanup on their own. In the weeks and months after storms, we often see an increase in ER visits from falls, cuts from debris and other injuries."

The Mental and Emotional Toll and Long-term Health Concerns

The stress of losing homes and belongings takes a profound mental and emotional toll on individuals and communities. Kathleen emphasizes, “Communities must come together to support each other. There are always those go-getters who help everyone, but it’s crucial they don’t ignore their own health while doing so.”

Compromised infrastructure, such as contaminated water sources, can lead to various public health issues. Kathleen states, “We could see a rise in waterborne and respiratory diseases due to the storm’s impact on infrastructure.”

As recovery continues, the long-term health consequences could be significant, including:

• Waterborne diseases: Increased risk due to storm surges.

• Respiratory illnesses: Mold and allergens in damp buildings.

• Infectious diseases: Higher likelihood of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections among displaced populations.

• Mosquito-borne illnesses: More mosquitoes due to flooding.

• Mental health issues: Long-term effects like PTSD.

• Chronic condition management: Limited access to medication.

• Broken medical infrastructure: Restricted access to healthcare and prescriptions.

The Healthcare Workforce Displacement

Hurricanes can also lead to the displacement of healthcare workers themselves. Kathleen recalls the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, "So many people were affected by losing their homes, and they lost their jobs because the hospital closed, and some ended up leaving Louisiana." This displacement can have long-lasting effects on the ability of a community to recover and rebuild.

In fact, after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the US Virgin Islands, most of the healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals and pharmacies, was damaged due to flooding, or other structural damage as well as staff shortages. Similarly, in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, three major hospitals were surrounded by floodwater and remained closed for several months. These disruptions can lead to significant delays in treatment for patients with diagnosed conditions, such as cancer and chronic diseases, who rely on uninterrupted access to care.

For hospital leaders, the displacement of healthcare workers presents a significant challenge. Losing staff strains the remaining workforce and compromises the ability to provide adequate care to the community during a time of heightened need. This can lead to decreased patient satisfaction, increased medical errors and burnout among the remaining staff.

For example, during Hurricane Sandy in New York City, free-standing dialysis centers were disrupted, leading to a surge of hemodialysis patients to Brooklyn hospitals. Hospital workers faced challenges with dialysis documentation, staff shortages, transportation, communication with other agencies and difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified professionals.

In the face of these challenges, it's essential for hospital leaders to have contingency plans in place for staffing in the event of a natural disaster. This may include partnerships with travel nursing agencies, cross-training of existing staff and retention strategies to support staff through the crisis. By proactively addressing the potential for workforce displacement, hospital leaders can better navigate the aftermath of a hurricane and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality patient care.

Preparing for the Future

It’s crucial to anticipate the extended needs in the months following a natural disaster. While immediate responses are vital, the long-term recovery phase will require sustained support, including ensuring adequate staffing to handle the increased patient load while also addressing patients' and healthcare providers' mental health needs.

As Kathy emphasizes, "The road to recovery is long and arduous. It's essential to have a plan in place for the sustained support your community will need in the months and years following a disaster."

Ingenovis Health is committed to partnering with hospitals to navigate these challenges. Our experience in disaster response and recovery positions us to provide the necessary staffing solutions to support your facility through every phase of recovery. As we have seen in past events, the demand for healthcare services will continue to grow, and having a reliable partner can make a significant difference in maintaining the quality of care.