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The “Lac-Mégantic tragedy” seen through the lens of the EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations

  • Innovations in Policy and Practice
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Abstract

Setting

On July 6, 2013, a train carrying oil derailed in downtown Lac-Mégantic (Quebec, Canada), causing major human, environmental, and economic impacts. We aim to describe, and learn from, public health strategies developed to enhance community resilience following the train derailment though the lens of the EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations.

Intervention

Annual population-level surveys were conducted in Lac-Mégantic and surrounding areas to assess the long-term impacts of the disaster. Findings suggested that a solid upstream investment towards the development of adaptive capacity was needed. A “Day of Reflection” bringing together local stakeholders and citizens was organized, inspiring the elaboration of an innovative action plan. Leaders advocated for funding to support its implementation, leading to a substantial investment from the provincial government. Through a wide range of actions, the plan aims to bring psychosocial services closer to people, stay connected with the community, and foster community engagement.

Outcomes

Several lessons have been identified. After a disaster, there needs to be a balanced focus between the gaps/needs and strengths/capacities of a community. Moreover, public health actors must collaborate closely, all along the continuum of the upstream-downstream paradigm, with local organizations and citizens.

Implications

This unique experience, supported by an empirically-based framework, suggests that three vital ingredients are required for success in recovering from a disaster: (1) fostering community strengths and valuing citizen participation, (2) a strong political commitment to support upstream actions, and (3) a public health team able to support these actions.

Résumé

Contexte

Le 6 juillet 2013, un train transportant du pétrole déraillait au centre-ville de Lac-Mégantic (Québec, Canada), causant des impacts majeurs sur le plan humain, environnemental et économique. Notre objectif est de décrire les stratégies de santé publique développées pour favoriser la résilience communautaire suivant la tragédie ferroviaire et d’en tirer des leçons, à travers la lentille du « EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations ».

Intervention

Des enquêtes populationnelles ont été réalisées annuellement à Lac-Mégantic et les environs pour examiner les conséquences à long terme de la catastrophe. Les résultats suggèrent qu’un important effort en amont était nécessaire afin de développer la capacité d’adaptation. Une journée de réflexion rassemblant des partenaires locaux et des citoyens a été organisée, inspirant l’élaboration d’un plan d’action innovant. Les leaders ont plaidé pour l’obtention d’un financement afin de soutenir son implantation, ce qui a mené à un investissement substantiel du gouvernement du Québec. À travers un large éventail d’actions, le plan vise à rapprocher les services psychosociaux de la population, rester connecté avec la communauté et promouvoir la mobilisation communautaire.

Retombées

Plusieurs leçons ont été tirées. Après une catastrophe, on doit porter une attention à la fois sur les lacunes/besoins et les forces/capacités de la communauté. De plus, les acteurs de santé publique doivent collaborer étroitement, autant en amont qu’en aval, avec les organisations locales et les citoyens.

Implications

Cette expérience unique, soutenue par un cadre fondé sur des données empiriques, suggère que trois composantes sont essentielles au succès du rétablissement post-catastrophe: (1) la valorisation des forces de la communauté et de la participation citoyenne, (2) un engagement politique fort pour soutenir les actions en amont, et (3) une équipe de santé publique capable de soutenir ces actions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Eastern Townships Integrated University Centre in Health and Social Services, Sherbrooke Hospital University Centre, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada

    Mélissa Généreux, Geneviève Petit & Mathieu Roy

  2. Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada

    Mélissa Généreux & Geneviève Petit

  3. Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada

    Mathieu Roy

  4. Department of Human and Social Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, Canada

    Danielle Maltais

  5. Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Tracey O’Sullivan

Authors
  1. Mélissa Généreux
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  2. Geneviève Petit
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  3. Mathieu Roy
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  4. Danielle Maltais
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  5. Tracey O’Sullivan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mélissa Généreux.

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Généreux, M., Petit, G., Roy, M. et al. The “Lac-Mégantic tragedy” seen through the lens of the EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations. Can J Public Health 109, 261–267 (2018). https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-018-0068-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-018-0068-z

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