Report cites poor disaster care for mentally disabled

The National Council on Disability has issued a report on the treatment of people with psychiatric disabilities during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The NCD is quite critical of disaster relief agencies, particularly the Red Cross. (Click here for coverage by AP reporter Kevin Freking.)

In a press release, the NCD listed the report's major findings:

• In violation of federal policy and law, people with psychiatric disabilities were discriminated against during evacuation, rescue, and relief phases
• Mismanaged evacuations resulted in the loss, mistreatment, and inappropriate institutionalization of people with psychiatric disabilities
• People with psychiatric disabilities were not included in disaster planning or relief and recovery efforts
• Disaster management efforts often failed because no individual or office had responsibility, accountability, and authority for disability related issues
• Disaster plans were shortsighted and relief services were terminated prematurely

Click here for the full report, which includes recommendations for future disasters.