Depression rocks post-Katrina New Orleans
June 21, 2006Experts say depression is at a high level in New Orleans as the city suffers from Hurricane Katrina's wrath nearly 10 months after the storm.
Not only did the storm devastate the mental health system, forcing patients from its care and health workers from the city, but there are constant reminders of the destruction.
The New York Times reports rubble of the former New Orleans lines the street along with garbage that doesn't get collected.
Crime rates have gone up so much the National Guard and state police are planning to assist the local police.
Sgt. Ben Glaudi, head of the Police Department's Mobile Crisis Unit, told the Times he fields about 180 distress calls a month, dealing with the jump in suicides and suicide attempts.
Deputy City Coroner Dr. Jeffrey Rouse said the suicide rate has more than doubled since Katrina.
He told the newspaper the government has failed in helping New Orleans and its residents back on its feet.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
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