![[picture of Richard Garfield, DrPH, RN]](http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/news/pics/Garfield2.jpg) Richard Garfield, DrPH, RN,
Although the victims of hurricane Katrina are now receiving delayed relief efforts, the greater challenge will be in recovery over the months and several years ahead when the reporters go home and the newspapers no longer have dramatic photos on their covers, says Dr. Richard Garfield, professor of nursing and coordinator of a WHO/PAHO Nursing Collaborating Center at Columbia University. Millions of people will need to rebuild their lives and communities, and chronic health problems and both physical and emotional injuries will have to be treated. Dr. Garfield says this will require new and better systems of care than the inadequate ones that we saw break down in the aftermath of the hurricane. “As we have learned from the September 11 tragedy and the countries affected by the tsunami, rebuilding is slow, but possible,” he says. “All of these disasters highlight that communities can be better prepared to face future challenges in primary health care for disadvantaged groups, women''''s health needs, and mental and social functioning.” Dr. Garfield's research combines qualitative perspective of community health promotion and the quantitative skills of epidemiology to assess morbidity and mortality changes among civilian groups in humanitarian crises around the world. He has assessed the impact of economic embargoes in Cuba, Haiti, Yugoslavia, Iraq, and Liberia for national governments and UN organizations. For press inquiries, please call 212-305-3900.
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