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Anonymous (not verified)
Lee argues that EJ practice has long stagnated over an inability to properly define the concept of disproportionate (environmental and public health) impacts, but that national conversations on system racism and the development of EJ mapping tools have improved his outlook on the potential for better application of the concept of disproportionate impact. Lee identifies mapping tools (e.g. CalEnviroScreen) as a pathway for empirically based and analytically rigorous articulation and analysis of disproportionate impacts that are linked to systemic racism. In describing the scope and nature of application of mapping tools, Baker highlights the concept of cumulative impacts (the concentration of multiple environmental, public health, and social stressors), the importance of public participation (e.g. Hoffman’s community science model), the role of redlining in creating disproportionate vulnerabilities, and the importance of integrating research into decision making processes. Baker ultimately argues that mapping tools offer a promising opportunity for integrating research into policy decision making as part of a second generation of EJ practice. Key areas that Lee identifies as important to the continued development of more effective EJ practice include: identifying good models for quantitative studies and analysis, assembling a spectrum of different integrative approaches (to fit different contexts), connecting EJ research to policy implications, and being attentive to historical contexts and processes that produce/reproduce structural inequities.

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Anonymous (not verified)

The article looks at the "chronic disaster syndrome" - consisting of a multitude of factors that all act upon a person or family after a disaser like Katrina. The aftermath of the distaster lasts years, and this can wear on one's health if they are unable to return to their normal lives. Being displaced for a long period of time, in less optimal conditions, in a new environment, with new schools and jobs, can be traumatic

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jaostrander

This article brings forth the idea of “structural violence.” This develops the argument that in areas in poverty people to not have access to the treatments or medication they may need and in denying people treatment/ medications disease will continue to spread and worsen. The article argues that providing healthcare to those who can’t afford it not only increases their life expectancy but decreases transmission rates and can potentially lead to the eradication of certain diseases. 

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jaostrander

This article brings forth the existing research which concerns violence against health care workers in politically and culturally complex environments. This lack of research is primarily noted to be caused by the discrepancies between public opinion and government opinion. The article argues that aid organizations make their data easily accessible and are provided with greater funding when researching or assisting with violence against health workers.

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jaostrander

Andrew Lakoff works in the Department of Sociology at the University of Southern California Los Angeles. He studies social theory and is a medical anthropologist. While he is not directly situated within the emergency response system, his knowledge from studying past events and how the system works may provide insight into better emergency response techniques.

Stephan Collier is a Doctor of Philosophy and works at The New School. While he is also not situated within the emergency response system, his outside views and understandings could help to improve techniques used by providers.