The Center for Studies of Displaced Populations, established in 2016, is home to multidisciplinary research on displaced and mobile populations. The principal study was “Demographic and Health Disparities in Recovery from Hurricane Katrina: KATRINA@10”, part of the NIH-funded KATRINA@10 Program. This program consisted of an interrelated set of three primary data collection projects that focused on one specific sub-population affected by Hurricane Katrina; two secondary analyses of data that were more broadly representative of the overall affected population; and three cores to support the set of research projects. Since then, the Center has expanded to house other projects focusing on the impacts of Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic on the Vietnamese American populations in the Gulf Coast region, mental health stigma, and cognitive impairment and caregiving for older Vietnamese Americans.

Mission

To promote the health and well-being of displaced populations.

Vision

To achieve a world where populations vulnerable to and impacted by displacements, conflicts, and disasters have access to appropriate and equitable healthcare, social support, and opportunities to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

Goals

We aim to fulfill our mission through the following objectives:

1. Research Excellence 
   Conduct rigorous and innovative research at the intersection of health, disasters, and conflicts.
2. Community Engagement and Collaboration 
   Cultivate effective partnerships with communities, non-government organizations, and groups that advocate for displaced individuals and families.
3. Policy Impact 
   Collaborate with policymakers at local, national, and international levels to inform and shape appropriate and inclusive policies and programs for displaced populations.