LSU Resilience Symposium 2013Daniel Nguyen

danielnguyen@mqvncdc.org

New Orleans East Overview

● 60% of Orleans landmass

● 21% of Population● Lack of Food Access● Lack of Healthcare

Access● High unemployment

and poverty● Lack of Transportation

Access

Research InstitutionResearch Institution

Community Organization

Community

Community-Scientist RelationsWhen asked who understood effects of oil

spill:● People in Community understand effects

(76%)● Scientists understand effects (36%)

Interestingly, 84% of participants noted a partnership between scientists and community could address issues regarding the BP oil spill

Row 1 Row 2 Row 3 Row 40

2

4

6

8

10

12

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Results of the 'Safe Shrimp' Study● Samples of white shrimp were collected from

specific, local harvest areas and from two local grocery stores in the fall of 2010

● Each sample was analyzed for the presence and levels of >61 specific petroleum-related compounds, many found in Louisiana sweet crude oil

● Results are given in “parts per billion” and indicate almost no crude oil or other hydrocarbon compounds are present in the locally harvested samples

● Observed levels of total hydrocarbons were well below State and Federal consumption safety threshold levels

Next Steps● Long term seafood study (NIEHS Grant) ● Apply model to other community

environmental concerns● Agricultural Concerns● Soil Contamination● Water Contamination● Air Quality

Lessons Learned● Language Access / Cultural Competency● Effective Information Dissemination● Work with Communities (CBPR)● Fund local non-profits directly● Hire Local● Avoid 'Survey Fatigue'● Give communities part-ownership of data