Profession
Rebuilding health care in New Orleans still seen as a challenge
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 10, 2009
A July 13 Government Accountability Office report found that the greater New Orleans area continues to face challenges in restoring health care services disrupted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The state received a $100 million grant and distributed the money to 25 outpatient health care professional organizations in New Orleans. Those groups were surveyed by the GAO to see how the funds were used. Twenty-three sites responded.
Most recipients used the grants to hire or retain staff, add primary care services and open new sites. Twenty recipients said hiring was a great or moderate challenge. Six of the seven recipients that provided mental health services said hiring and retaining health care professionals was a great or moderate challenge.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/08/10/prbf0810.htm.
