IntroductionThe initial response, or lack thereof, to the widespread disaster on the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricane Katrina demonstrated high levels of incompetence and disorganization on the part government officials. Images of desperate individuals waiting to be rescued on their rooftops and masses of people gathered in deplorable conditions in the Super Dome went around the world. There was no way to hide the painful reality and the obvious inaction or inability of those responsible to care for these people in the wake of this disaster. (12, 791) Although considerable blame has been placed on FEMA, it must be understood that multiple factors contributed to the situation in New Orleans. Some sections of the seawalls were poorly constructed and not properly maintained. Local agencies failed to properly plan and prepare for such an event. Local authorities waited too long to order an evacuation and did not consider how to help citizens who lacked financial resources evacuate on their own. (1.24)HISTORY OF FEMAFederal response to natural disasters began after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The 8.3 magnitude earthquake killed 478 people and left more than 250,000 homeless . Although the disaster itself was obviously inevitable, the subsequent fires throughout the city were the result of poor planning. (1, 17) In an effort to consolidate existing programs and improve the nation's level of preparedness, President Carter created FEMA in 1979. Initially, FEMA was praised for improving communication between different levels of government and multiple agencies during a crisis. (1,19) As part of the federal government's reorganization in response to middle of paper, individuals were forced to pay for services, perhaps as part of an expansion of the Medicare program. Survivors, who have experienced a high level of mental or physical trauma, and those with pre-existing conditions, must be identified and considered for expedited care. (2, 425) A mobile health care unit could be used in semi-permanent housing developments, such as the trailer parks created following the Katrina disaster. (2, 425) Legislative barriers to obtaining mental health services must be removed. Addressing the mental health needs of survivors is increasingly recognized as an integral part of emergency management worldwide. Failure to adequately meet these needs can jeopardize the recovery of affected populations, and they risk becoming dependent on state and federal assistance... (2, 246)