RAND Experts Available to Discuss Effect of Historic Mississippi River Flooding, other Disasters on Community Resilience

June 1 marks the traditional start of hurricane season on the Gulf Coast, but many areas are already experiencing a host of destructive and lethal natural disasters, from tornadoes in the South to the flooding along the Mississippi River. The region also continues to recover from Hurricane Katrina six years ago, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill last year.

The RAND Corporation and its RAND Gulf States Policy Institute have several experts available to discuss the continuing efforts to rebuild after these natural disasters, how multiple disasters complicate the recovery process, and how residents of the region are coping with these new threats.

Joie Acosta, behavioral scientist at RAND. Topics: The need for comprehensive disaster case-management planning; how community resilience factors into national health security; the role of non-governmental agencies in disaster resilience.

Adm. Thad W. Allen, senior fellow at RAND. Topics: Lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, the Haitian earthquake and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill; how governmental and volunteer organizations can work together during the aftermath of a disaster; what communities can do to prepare in advance.

Anita Chandra, behavioral scientist at RAND. Topics: Community resilience, why an "all-hazards" approach to disaster preparedness planning and effective local planning is critical; the role of non-governmental organizations in helping people recover from disasters over the long-term; why it takes people so long to fully recover from a natural disaster.

Lloyd Dixon, senior economist at RAND. Topics: the need for wind and flood insurance reform; how federal flood insurance coverage affects development in areas at risk for flooding.

Lisa Jaycox, senior behavioral scientist at RAND. Topics: Mental health impact of disasters, particularly among youth, and interventions that can alleviate disaster-related distress among youth and adults.

Debra Knopman, director of RAND Infrastructure, Safety, and Environment. Topics: Water resources development and management, coastal protection and restoration; infrastructure investments; energy and environment.

Michael Rendall, director, RAND Population Research Center. Topics: New research findings on the displacement of citizens after Hurricane Katrina, factors affecting their return, and general well-being of populations that have been affected by major disasters as well as how these findings might apply to the recent displacements from the recent devastating tornadoes and massive flooding.

Sally Sleeper, director of research for the RAND Gulf States Policy Institute. Topics: New and ongoing RAND research throughout the region; how RAND Gulf States continues to build on its partnerships with universities and other organizations to offer evidence-based, objective policy solutions.

Ben Springgate, affiliated adjunct behavioral scientist at RAND and director of health for RAND Gulf States. Topics: Current evidence regarding population health and mental health concerns and health care infrastructure recovery/developments since Hurricane Katrina and the recent oil spill.

Kenneth B.Wells, senior scientist at RAND. Topics: Mental health after disasters; how community partnerships can improve health care and speed recovery.