We have all been shaken by the devastation in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. After a couple of days to reflect, three thoughts come to my mind. First has been the absolute heroism of healthcare workers in New Orleans and those helping from neighboring areas. The tales of nurses, doctors and other workers keeping patients alive by hand-pumping ventilators and performing near-miracles in conditions that none of them could have believed they'd ever have to work in reminds us that medicine and healthcare is a calling far more than just a job. Second, the time for investigations and blame will come later, but it's beyond belief that it's taken this long to get food, water and medicine into New Orleans and to get those stranded people out. Finally, it can't have escaped anyone's attention that the vast majority of those "left behind" are poor and African-American. That's a microcosm of what's going on in our society and in our healthcare system. Hopefully, this disaster may give us a chance to reflect on that and make some changes.
We asked FierceHealthcare readers to donate to the Red Cross earlier this week. In addition, blogger Instapundit has a long list of other charities who need help.
On another note, FierceHealthcare will not publish Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day here in the US. We'll be back on Tuesday, September 6. Enjoy your long weekend! - Matthew