Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

The National Council on Disability has issued a report on the treatment of people with psychiatric disabilities during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The NCD is quite critical of disaster relief agencies, particularly the Red Cross.

In a press release, the NCD listed the report's major findings:

• In violation of federal policy and law, people with psychiatric disabilities were discriminated against during evacuation, rescue, and relief phases
• Mismanaged evacuations resulted in the loss, mistreatment, and inappropriate institutionalization of people with psychiatric disabilities
• People with psychiatric disabilities were not included in disaster planning or relief and recovery efforts
• Disaster management efforts often failed because no individual or office had responsibility, accountability, and authority for disability related issues
• Disaster plans were shortsighted and relief services were terminated prematurely

Click here for the full report, which includes recommendations for future disasters.