Carol Amaratunga

In the Path of Disasters: Psychosocial Issues for Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

The psychosocial impacts of disasters are profound. In recent years, there have been too many reminders of these impacts and the dire needs of the people involved. The purpose of this article is to present the following themes from the psychosocial literature on disasters and emergency management: (1) differential impacts of disasters according to gender and age; (2) prevention efforts to reduce racial discrimination, rape, and other forms of abuse; (3) readiness for cultural change toward prevention and preparedness; and (4) the need to involve aid beneficiaries as active partners in relief strategies, particularly during reconstruction of communities and critical systems. Psychosocial needs change throughout the disaster cycle, particularly as social support deteriorates over time. It is important to anticipate what psychosocial needs of the public, emergency responders, support staff, and volunteers might emerge, before advancing to the next stage of the disaster. Particular consideration needs to be directed toward differential impacts of disasters based on gender, age, and other vulnerabilities.

Beyond Partnering: Creating the Healthcare Community

Growing stress on the healthcare system has encouraged policy makers and care providers to reconsider the current system. While universal access must be maintained, the authors argue that greater recognition of the differences in the health needs of Canadas diverse communities should shape service delivery. The creation of “healthcare communities” based on targeted research and stakeholder advice is more efficient and cost-effective than a standardized model based on population aggregates.