The City of Pascagoula, Mississippi, located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast employees were suffering through the effects of Hurricane Katrina when it slammed into the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005.  Thirty-four percent of all structures completely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina occurred in Jackson County, Mississippi. During the 2-year period following Hurricane Katrina a 2008 survey showed increases in anxiety-mood disorders and suicidal ideations along the Gulf Coast (LA, MS, AL).

While we understand all citizens in the area were going through the same mental and emotional anguish, it was a little different for city employees.  Not only did they have to face the horrific events of the hurricane at home (damaged or destroyed homes, lost personal items, etc.), they had to live it every day at work as well by dealing with local residents who contacted city employees regarding ongoing city services.  While most people could go to work to escape the reality of the disaster, our employees were dealing with it at home and at work as community members came to the city to request help.  Our employees became quite similar to first responders for more than two years as we dealt with post Katrina recovery operations.

Sixteen months after Katrina, in December of 2007, the City Manager and Human Resources Director met to discuss the mental health condition of the employees.  It was at this time the decision was made to work with the the Jackson County Community Services Coalition. The following case study delves into Pascagoula’s wellness program for city employees and its effective strategies for post-disaster stress, which include life stressors, increase resiliency skills and effective time management in the workplace.