by Samara Alpern
Daily Lobo columnist
When Hurricane Katrina ruptured the New Orleans levees, 25-foot waves of water pounded into the city ahead of 150 mph winds. The whole region struggles to deal with the aftermath of being submerged in noxious waters for weeks.
The health hazards instigated by the hurricane are numerous and grave. A dearth of medical services and medications, exposure to unknown toxins in the floodwaters and injuries incurred during the flood are all continuing and major health crises. A more insidious health threat in Katrina's wake is an unprecedented epidemic of mold.
Mold causes a variety of health problems. For those with mild sensitivities, mold can cause allergic reactions similar to hay fever. Prolonged exposure can cause a more severe allergy known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A further health threat comes from aflatoxins, produced by a species of mold present in New Orleans. Aflatoxins are associated with cancer and hepatic failure. Airborne exposure has not been proven to cause these diseases, but the Centers for Disease Control said there is reason for concern.
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The mold epidemic complicates the New Orleans recovery effort. Many residents wish to return home, but few homes are livable. General community services from schools to basic water and electricity are unavailable. Most surviving buildings require extensive gutting, mold abatement and reconstruction before they will be habitable, and few residents have the means to make those massive repairs. Hence, large areas of the city remain ghost towns of toxic structures and piles of rubble.
Meanwhile, with no inhabitants, the area is in danger of being claimed by the government under eminent domain as residents scattered across the country have little say in the restoration of their neighborhoods. Ideas for revival are diverse, from building a casino to restoring the type of neighborhoods that existed before the storm to abandoning the community entirely.
Not only is the task of rebuilding gargantuan, but assistance in accomplishing this goal has been contemptible. The federal response is grossly inadequate to the needs of the region. Only one-sixth of the money promised by Congress immediately after the storm has been delivered, and - even after receiving millions in donations - the Red Cross has suspended the majority of their services, as New Orleans is no longer considered an immediate disaster.
A lion's share of relief assistance is now being provided by volunteer organizations, such as Common Ground, a volunteer collective which was initiated immediately after the hurricane to address the needs of those who remained in the area. The organization has since expanded its services to provide medical and legal aid, rebuild damaged homes, and distribute food and tools to those in need. Its main goal is to rebuild sustainable communities in New Orleans and the surrounding region.
Common Ground volunteers hail from all over the country, stay variable amounts of time and are provided food and shelter for the duration of their stay while determining the time and labor they provide.
I spent an extraordinary week working with Common Ground over Winter Break. During part of my stay I performed outreach and food distribution in a bayou community outside New Orleans. During another portion of the week, I helped demolish damaged homes to prepare them for remodeling. Food distribution was deeply satisfying and the demolition work was, frankly, fun. I had no previous training for these tasks, but Common Ground prepared me appropriately. After the workday was finished, I spent plenty of time carousing the largely untouched French Quarter and Garden District.
New Orleans needs your help, and for UNM students, staff and community members who were affected by footage of Katrina's aftermath, I implore you to translate your concern into action by spending Spring Break in New Orleans. If you donate your time and labor in the daytime, Common Ground will house and feed you. Your nights are your own, and New Orleans still offers plenty of traditional Spring Break entertainments. You'll actually be doing a good deed by drinking your fill of Hand Grenades and Hurricanes - every tourist dollar spent is a precious benefit to the city this year.
For those who are able to travel at other times, I remind you that Mardi Gras is Feb. 28 and the Jazz Fest on the last weekend in April and first weekend in May are happening this year as well.
For more information on Common Ground, please visit the Web site at commongroundrelief.org. I'd also be happy to elaborate on my experience there - contact me with your questions by e-mail at samaratx@yahoo.com.
