U-M to lead disaster aftermath resea...(nter that is methodologically creative c...),Health

Galea is a nationally known expert on disasters. He has conducted research in New York City after the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attacks, in Madrid after the March 11, 2001 train bombings, in Israel during the intifada, after the 2004 hurricanes in Florida, and most recently after Hurricane Katrina. In addition, all of the investigators involved in the center have extensive experience in responding to and conducting mental health research in the wake of major disasters, such as Hurricanes Hugo, Andrew, and Katrina; the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995; the 1999 mudslides in Mexico; the September 11 terrorist attacks; and the Madrid bombing in 2004.

Once in the field, researchers will recruit 1,500-1,800 healthy adults to study two, four, and 14 months after the disaster. The researchers will do interviews and behavioral assessments, collect biological specimens, and do two waves of interventions.

Each university plays a critical role. Michigan brings expertise in epidemiology and survey research; Dartmouth in post-disaster services and clinical trials; Yale in genetics and neuroendocrinology; Medical University of South Carolina in secondary prevention, and Oklahoma in children.

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