Lessons from the reestablishment of Public Health Laboratory activities in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

Abstract

Public Health Laboratories (PHLs) in Puerto Rico did not escape the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. We implemented a quality management system (QMS) approach to systematically reestablish laboratory testing, after evaluating structural and functional damage. PHLs were inoperable immediately after the storm. Our QMS-based approach began in October 2017, ended in May 2018, and resulted in the reestablishment of 92% of baseline laboratory testing capacity. Here, we share lessons learned from the historic recovery of the largest United States’ jurisdiction to lose its PHL capacity, and provide broadly applicable tools for other jurisdictions to enhance preparedness for public health emergencies.

‘More stressful than cancer’: Treatment Experiences Lived During Hurricane Maria among Breast and Colorectal Cancer Patients in Puerto Rico

“…However, it has been documented that this humanitarian assistance bene ted other cancer patients on the island. 22 Age and stage at diagnoses might in uence the differences in the narratives observed in this focus group but rea rm participant's trust in Puertorricans physicians and their medical team despite the lack of communication and immediate follow-up of care caused by the hurricane.…”