Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were national disasters of devastating impact. Families in the region suffered physically, financially and, most of all, emotionally. Local responders were dedicated but often overwhelmed. The effects of the storms continue to be relevant today, drawing into sharper focus the profound health needs of our most vulnerable populations.

This is the story of how the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) responded. The Foundation staff sprang into action almost immediately with nimble yet decisive footing, quickly establishing partnerships with regional organizations and grantees, while demonstrating commitment to long-term solutions and compassion on a personal level.

In this video, John Lumpkin, M.D., M.P.H., senior vice president and director of the Health Care Group at RWJF, and Susan B. Hassmiller, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., senior adviser for Nursing at RWJF, describe the intense need for assistance and the many levels of response. Ann Christiano, M.P.A.P., a senior communications officer at RWJF, represents the many Foundation staff members who responded on a personal level. Listen to reports from RWJF grantees and partners who worked with the Foundation to respond to the disaster. Eric Baumgartner, M.D., M.P.H., of the Louisiana Public Health Institute in New Orleans, worked to create a better health care system in the state of Louisiana. Regina Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A., gathered strength and resources to rebuild her rural health clinic in Bayou LaBatre, Ala. RWJF Clinical Scholar Ben Springgate, M.D., M.P.H., returned to his hometown of New Orleans to provide accessible health services. At Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, psychologists Joy Osofsky, Ph.D., M.A., and Howard Osofsky, M.D., Ph.D., worked with first responders and fostered youth leadership at New Orleans schools throughout the recovery period.

The Foundation's response, led by President Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., began with meeting immediate needs. The response continued by bolstering RWJF grantees in the region and was sustained through planning for long-term impact.