STORY: With the arrival of Hurricane Rita, "the psyche of the Southeast will be tested over the next few days," says University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) psychologist Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., (Prounounced "Clay-po" ). Klapow is available to discuss the emotional toll that Hurricane Rita could have on those who were directly and indirectly affected by Katrina and provide tips on how to cope.
WHO: Associate Professor Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the UAB Department of Psychology and is a member of the South Central Center for Public Health Preparedness. He has published extensively on the role of psychosocial and behavioral factors in determining health outcomes. His research also focuses on the role of behavioral science in the development and evaluation of out-patient care delivery systems.
"For some of those who were evacuated from Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita may cause them to relive the first event and thus compound the stress," says Klapow. "This hurricane could serve as a strong emotional trigger, bringing back the level of distress victims of Katrina have already experienced."
MORE: Klapow holds a joint appointment in the UAB Department of Health Care Organization and Policy in the School of Public Health. In addition, he directs the Health Outcome Assessment Unit in the UAB Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education. He also is a behavioral science consultant to the World Health Organization.
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