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A Salutogenic Approach to Disaster Recovery: The Case of the Lac-Mégantic Rail Disaster

Author

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  • Mélissa Généreux

    (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
    Eastern Townships Public Health Department, Sherbrooke, QC J1H1R3, Canada)

  • Mathieu Roy

    (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H5N4, Canada
    Health Technology and Social Services Assessment Unit, Eastern Townships Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 4C4, Canada)

  • Tracey O’Sullivan

    (Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada)

  • Danielle Maltais

    (Department of Human and Social Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC G7H2B1, Canada)

Abstract

In July 2013, a train carrying crude oil derailed in Lac-Mégantic (Canada). This disaster provoked a major fire, 47 deaths, the destruction of 44 buildings, a massive evacuation, and an unparalleled oil spill. Since 2013, Public Health has undertaken several actions to address this challenging situation, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Community-based surveys were conducted in Lac-Mégantic in 2014, 2015 and 2018. The first two surveys showed persistent and widespread health needs. Inspired by a salutogenic approach, Public Health has shifted its focus from health protection to health promotion. In 2016, a Day of Reflection was organized during which a map of community assets and an action plan for the community recovery were co-constructed with local stakeholders. The creation of an Outreach Team is an important outcome of this collective reflection. This team aims to enhance resilience and adaptive capacity. Several promising initiatives arose from the action plan—all of which greatly contributed to mobilize the community. Interestingly, the 2018 survey suggests that the situation is now evolving positively. This case study stresses the importance of recognizing community members as assets, rather than victims, and seeking a better balance between health protection and health promotion approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Mélissa Généreux & Mathieu Roy & Tracey O’Sullivan & Danielle Maltais, 2020. "A Salutogenic Approach to Disaster Recovery: The Case of the Lac-Mégantic Rail Disaster," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:5:p:1463-:d:324811
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mélissa Généreux & Philip J. Schluter & Sho Takahashi & Shiori Usami & Sonoe Mashino & Ryoma Kayano & Yoshiharu Kim, 2019. "Psychosocial Management Before, During, and After Emergencies and Disasters—Results from the Kobe Expert Meeting," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-8, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maeva Mila, 2023. "How Local Communities Overcome Disaster and Crisis," Comparative Southeast European Studies, De Gruyter, vol. 71(1), pages 96-118, March.
    2. Emily Ying Yang Chan & Holly Ching Yu Lam, 2021. "Research in Health-Emergency and Disaster Risk Management and Its Potential Implications in the Post COVID-19 World," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-3, March.

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