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I'm interested in better understanding the ongoing geological processes that shape St. Louis and the Mississippi Valley region. So far, I've been looking into the history of seismicity in the region, focusing on the fascinating but little known history of the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812 -- the most devastating earthquakes to have hit the US east of the Rockies. I've also been exploring how St. Louis and surrounding areas are dealing with the possibility of another earthquake occurring in the future. According to one article I read, one of the biggest uncertainties is what would happen to the heavily engineered Mississippi River in the case of another major tremblor. The shaking could break the levees, flooding wide areas along the river and creating cascading effects. The flow of the river might also reverse completely, as occurred during the New Madrid earthquakes.

On these possibilities and the lack of scientific consensus surrounding intraplate seismicity in this zone, see this article in The Atlantic.

On current efforts to create earthquake hazard maps in St. Louis, see this overview on the US Geological Survey site.

For a deeper dive into the history of the New Madrid earthquakes, see this book by historian of science Conevery Bolton Valencius. 

Hailey-Means’ mental and physical health quickly deteriorated. Her treatment by guards and the intolerable conditions in solitary confinement — complete isolation, extreme temperatures, polluted air, the stink of the landfill — led Candie to try to take her own life.

What they’re calling for instead is a divestment from mass incarceration, along with an end to bail, and an investment in health care, living wage jobs, and mental health treatment that would lead to safer communities.

Google scholars had this article referenced 52 times. Many of these articles are in refernce to major disasters and the recovery of those areas from said disasters.

The article illustrates with the use of statistics of the health care system and their diagnostic method that while the program was created with good intentions, it has become apparent that in order to receive the financial assistance necessary, they need to seek assistance from influential advocacy groups.

The Waiting Room, a documentary film addressing the conversation about health care reform and equal access to care, goes through the lives of those in the emergency room of a hospital. It addresses the problem that some families have no other choice, but to visit the ER, since they do not have a PCP (Primary Care Provider) or insurance.  Additional unforeseen cases, such as trauma, arrests, and individuals that have very urgent needs only naturally make the wait longer. 

The bibliography suggests multiple essays from the MSF showing that it is mostly focusesed on the MSF view. Not to say that this is bad.

The program's purpose is reaffirm the importance that, along with good clinical skills, practicioners of all levels should be able to practice with the ability to listen to a patient's social background, not just have an objective view.

The article has a very diverse bibliography with multiple references from the International Atomic Energy Agency. If you can learn anything, it's that Schmid pulls information from reliable sources. 

1. The study in Baltimore showed that with a reduction in the influence of socio-economic factors in patients receiving health care services. The studies showed that with their increased awareness and effort the socioeconomic disparities largely vanished. Unfortunately this is also underscored by the emergence of HIV which is resistant to multiple drugs. 

2. The use of the PIH model in Haiti was shown to have positive results there, so much so that it was adapted in Rwanda. The greater challenges faced by this group is water quality and gender inequality.

3. Another way the argument is supported is by discussing the ways that clinicians can help to intervene in structural violence. 

"Over the past 10 years, MSF has provided medical care to approximately almost 118,000 victims of sexual violence. Integrating related care into MSF general assistance to populations affected by crisis and conflicts has presented a considerable institutional struggle and continues to be a challenge. Tensions regarding the role of MSF in the care to victims of sexual violence and when facing the multiple challenges inherent in dealing with this crime persist. An overview of MSF experience and related reflection aims to share with the reader on one hand the complexity of the issue, and on the other hand the need to continue fighting for the provision of adequate medical care for victims of sexual violence, which after all and despite the limits, is feasible."

MSF is stricken by the intensely difficult task of helping with sexual violence. Not only do they have to deal with supporting the 118,000 people physically, but they help emotionally as well. Another aspect which contributes to the problem is the vast differences in gender equality throughout the world.