Southern States

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineer contractor explains to FEMA Future Leaders how the levee system in New Orleans works

    Report

    Options for Financing Louisiana's Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System

    Incremental operations and maintenance costs for new hurricane protection infrastructure vary considerably across Louisiana's levee districts, but most can cover costs for infrastructure within their boundaries. Stakeholders will need to determine an equitable cost allocation for infrastructure that spans district boundaries.

    Nov 28, 2012

  • Morris Canal Park in New York City with portions flooded by Sandy's storm surge, at high tide.

    Commentary

    What Louisiana Can Teach New York and New Jersey

    “Super Storm” Sandy has created a rare moment when New York City and surrounding areas are singularly focused on the infrastructure needed in a changing environment. It is a moment to look south at Louisiana.

    Nov 8, 2012

  • Aerial photos of New Jersey coastline in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

    Commentary

    In Wake of Hurricane Sandy, Look to Louisiana for Lessons

    Just as public agencies across the country conducted terrorism risk assessments in the wake of 9/11, a comprehensive infrastructure assessment may be in order to understand natural hazard risks and the potential exacerbating effects of climate change, write Gary Cecchine, David Groves, and Jordan Fischbach.

    Nov 1, 2012

  • Research Brief

    Research Brief

    CLARA Flood Risk Model Supports Louisiana's Coastal Planning

    The Coastal Louisiana Risk Assessment (CLARA) model estimates hurricane flood depths and damage and enables evaluation of potential flood risk reduction projects for inclusion in Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan.

    Oct 10, 2012

  • sandbags flood relief

    Report

    Risk Assessment Model Helps Louisiana Plan for Storm Surges

    The Coastal Louisiana Risk Assessment (CLARA) model developed by RAND estimates flood depths and damage that occurs as a result of major storms in Louisiana's coastal region and was used to evaluate potential projects for inclusion in the state's 2012 Coastal Master Plan.

    Oct 8, 2012

  • consultants meeting with computer

    Report

    Planning Tool Supports Louisiana's Coastal Protection Decisionmaking

    The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Planning Tool that RAND developed provided technical analysis for Louisiana's Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast. A technical description of the tool and associated analyses explains how the tool works.

    Sep 27, 2012

  • Flooded I-10/I-610/West End Blvd interchange and surrounding area of northwest New Orleans and Metairie, Louisiana

    Project

    Reducing New Orleans Storm-Surge Flood Risk in an Uncertain Future

    Preparing for natural disasters is a long, multi-faceted process that requires years of planning, coordination, and direct action. RAND has developed a new approach for assessing hurricane flood risk in New Orleans under uncertainty and evaluating city-wide approaches for reducing this risk.

    Sep 10, 2012

  • A bird soars over the gulf

    Project

    RAND Gulf States Policy Institute

    Established in December 2005 to support hurricane recovery and long-term economic development, the RAND Gulf States Policy Institute is dedicated to developing informed public policy in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama and a better future for the people who live there.

    Sep 6, 2012

  • Journal Article

    Journal Article

    The Relationship Between Perceived Discrimination and Patient Experiences with Health Care

    Perceptions of discrimination based on race/ethnicity and Medicaid insurance are prevalent and are associated with substantially lower CAHPS reports and ratings of care. Practices must develop and implement strategies to reduce perceived discrimination among patients.

    Sep 1, 2012

  • USACE New Orleans District Mississippi River Tie-In

    Commentary

    Has the Gulf Coast Learned Katrina's Lessons in Time for Isaac?

    Seven years after Hurricane Katrina, it's clear that New Orleans and other cities along the Gulf Coast are applying what they learned then in preparation for Hurricane Isaac, write Gary Cecchine and Jordan R. Fischbach.

    Aug 29, 2012

  • African-American science teacher and female chemistry student

    Project

    Are Charter Schools a Good Option in the Gulf States?

    In an effort to improve public education, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama have each examined the potential of charter schools. For nearly two decades, RAND has conducted objective, evidence-based research on choice-based education reforms to help education policymakers make the right decisions for their communities.

    Aug 21, 2012

  • News Release

    News Release

    Efforts to Curb Tobacco Use in Arkansas Have Paid Dividends, but More Effort Needed

    A decade of unprecedented efforts in Arkansas has cut cigarette use by nearly one-third and reduced incidence of tobacco-related illnesses such as heart attacks and stroke. To maintain the gains it has made, Arkansas should continue its financial commitment of devoting the tobacco settlement funds to public health programs.

    Aug 16, 2012

  • Report

    Report

    Evaluation of the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Program: Progress Through 2011 — Summary

    This summary of the external evaluation of Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission activities looks at program implementation and changes in health outcomes associated with seven health-related programs funded by the Master Settlement Agreement over the past decade.

    Aug 16, 2012

  • A red No Smoking sign

    Report

    Efforts to Curb Tobacco Use in Arkansas Have Paid Dividends, but More Effort Is Needed

    A decade of unprecedented efforts in Arkansas has cut cigarette use by nearly one-third and reduced incidence of tobacco-related illnesses such as heart attacks and stroke. To maintain the gains it has made, Arkansas should continue its financial commitment of devoting the tobacco settlement funds to public health programs.

    Aug 16, 2012

  • Project

    Managing the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in the Gulf States

    HIV/AIDS can rightly be called an epidemic in the Gulf States. RAND has examined attitudes and beliefs about HIV and AIDS, the roles of faith-based and community organizations, and issues regarding AIDS treatment; this research can help Congressional, state, and local policymakers understand how to approach the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS in the region.

    Jun 28, 2012

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, September 30, 2014

    Commentary

    Gulf States Among Top in New HIV, AIDS Cases

    Improving HIV prevention and medical care delivery to persons living with HIV/AIDS should be a collaborative effort, particularly in the Gulf States region, where resources are limited but the epidemic is expanding, writes Vivian Towe.

    Jun 27, 2012

  • Sunset over New Orleans and the Mississippi River

    Blog

    Bringing Sustainability to the Louisiana Coast

    Policy Researcher David Groves describes RAND's role in helping to develop a plan to guide Louisiana's coastal investments, help its coastal citizens plan for the future, and create a sustainable coast.

    Jun 7, 2012

  • Houses are partially submerged in flood waters after a Hurricane Isaac levee breach in Braithwaite, Louisiana August 31, 2012

    Multimedia

    Bringing Sustainability to the Louisiana Coast

    Policy Researcher David Groves describes RAND's role in helping to develop a plan to guide Louisiana's coastal investments, help its coastal citizens plan for the future, and create a sustainable coast.

    Jun 4, 2012

  • Periodical

    Periodical

    RAND Review: Vol. 36, No. 1, Spring 2012

    Stories cover Iran's nuclear threat, social security in Mexico, programs for veterans, crime costs, U.S. efforts in Afghanistan, the health insurance mandate, legal defense, marijuana legalization, global education, and Louisiana's coastal planning.

    May 11, 2012

  • An aerial view of the flooded roads and fields in Louisiana are shown after Hurricane Lili

    Commentary

    A Flood of Innovation: Louisiana's Coastal Master Plan

    Michael D. Rich, RAND's president and chief executive officer, explains how RAND computer models and empirical analyses are helping protect and restore the Louisiana coast.

    May 10, 2012