Health Affairs, 25, no. 2 (2006): 478 doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.25.2.478 © 2006 by Project HOPE	New Online   Pay Cuts For Medicare Docs   Access To Care Woes   Public Coverage More Efficient   Empowering Consumers

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Narrative Matters

Witness To Disaster

PREFACE: The Gulf Coast hurricanes in fall 2005 stand as unprecedented disasters in American life. Not only were the storms a body blow to the health of millions living in the affected areas, they effectively tore the roof off the health care systems of southern Louisiana and Mississippi, providing frequently unflattering views of local medical care. Horrible as they were, the storms brought out the best in many people—generosity, stoicism, heroism. In the health sector, many were called on to respond as patients, as providers, and as public officials. From elsewhere in the country, many health professionals volunteered their assistance, . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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