The CBC "Message to America" is distributed nationwide to the American Urban Radio Network's (AURN) affiliate stations.

WHO:        U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL)

WHEN:      Saturday, September 2, 2006; 12:06 p.m. EST

WHERE:   American Urban Radio Network Affiliate Stations

"Hello, I’m United States Congressman Bobby Rush and I represent the First Congressional District of Illinois. I am happy to speak to you today on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus.

"One year ago, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region and left a trail of destruction in New Orleans and parts of Mississippi and Alabama. As we commemorate the one-year anniversary of the storm, we must also acknowledge the mental and emotional trauma the storm inflicted on its many survivors, especially its children.

"The children of Katrina, just like adults, were forced to alter their lives. As a result, many are anxious, overwhelmed, worried about the future and are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Katrina’s children are now dealing with serious emotional issues in the aftermath of the storm and serious challenges remain for those who lost family members, homes, schools, friends and other significant possessions. The pervasiveness and enduring nature of these losses sets the stage for the emotional problems that may not fully reveal themselves for months or years to come.

"It is morally reprehensible that a year after Hurricane Katrina, many children and families, in the richest nation on earth, are still suffering and are without critical support such as health and mental health care, housing and schooling.

"According to a study recently conducted by the Children’s Defense Fund, there are only 10 mental health pediatric and youth beds available in New Orleans, although the number of children with unresolved mental health problems has increased. The study also found that there were 3,200 physicians in New Orleans and surrounding parishes before the storm, but now only 1,400 are practicing, which leaves many families to see unfamiliar doctors there and in the outlying areas.

"Living conditions for Katrina children are no better, as many families have been forced to live in trailer camps where there are no recreation facilities, libraries or after-school programs. Only 22 of New Orleans’ 125 public schools reopened during the 2005 – 2006 school year and countless children lost invaluable school time in New Orleans and other cities.

"There is an immediate need to give Katrina’s children and families hope and the basic human support that they require. They need our help now in an immediate and sustained manner. Let’s not fail them again. This is Congressman Bobby Rush with the CBC Message to America."