Joined CHF’s National Network: 2006, as part of Operation Assist
Home Institution / Affiliation: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Medical Director: Jaya Aysola, MD
Sampling of Services:
CHF’s Special Initiatives implemented:
Areas Served: Communities affected by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, The Children’s Health Fund formed Operation Assist, a collaborative effort between CHF and the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. The New Orleans Children’s Health Project (NOCHP) was established as an integral component of CHF’s response to the disaster.
In the course of providing care to victims of the hurricane, it became apparent that the effects of the storm were greatly worsened by pre-existing deficiencies in the healthcare system. Child death rates in Louisiana were well above the national average even before Katrina. In fact, state child health indicators rank Louisiana 49th in the nation. Lack of transportation, lack of insurance, financial instability – and the current shortage of health professionals – represent pervasive barriers to care.
The New Orleans Children’s Health Project delivers high quality, comprehensive primary care - without regard to ability to pay - to public schools, a multi-service community site and other locations.
The NOCHP addresses this troubling disparity in access to health care using a state-of-the-art mobile medical unit to deliver comprehensive primary health care. Mobile medical units are uniquely suited to the provision of post-disaster health care, allowing clinical teams to bring services directly where they are needed most – and to respond to the changing conditions and needs of the community.
The Medical Program of NOCHP is a partnership between United Health Foundation and
The Children’s Health Fund.
