Health Care Worker Was Escorted by Armed Men onto a Plane After Katrina. When She Came Back, She Opened a Clinic (Exclusive)

Nurse Alice Craft-Kerney’s Journey: From Being Escorted onto a Plane After Hurricane Katrina to Opening a Clinic

In a remarkable story of resilience and compassion, nurse Alice Craft-Kerney was thrust into extraordinary circumstances after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans in August 2005. This exclusive account sheds light on how Craft-Kerney’s harrowing experience during the natural disaster fuelled her determination to make a positive impact in her community.

Amid the chaos of Katrina, Craft-Kerney, a dedicated registered nurse, found herself facing a profound dilemma — torn between her duty to care for her disabled mother and the urgent need to evacuate the city. Escorted at gunpoint onto a plane by armed personnel alongside her wheelchair-bound mother, Craft-Kerney recalls the feeling of being internally displaced in her own country, a poignant reminder of the upheaval and dislocation experienced by countless individuals in the wake of the catastrophe.

Upon her return to Louisiana, Craft-Kerney immediately embarked on a mission to address the critical healthcare void in the Lower Ninth Ward, an area disproportionately affected by the storm. The exodus of healthcare professionals following Katrina left the community acutely underserved, prompting Craft-Kerney to take action. Determined to ensure that the most vulnerable residents received the medical attention they desperately needed, she made it her mission to establish a clinic in the heart of the devastated neighbourhood.

The decision to open the clinic was not without its challenges, as Craft-Kerney faced bureaucratic obstacles and logistical setbacks. However, her unwavering commitment to her patients and community drove her forward. Despite the clinic’s temporary closure in 2011, Craft-Kerney’s advocacy for improved maternal healthcare and her efforts to preserve the cultural fabric of New Orleans endure as a testament to her enduring spirit of service and solidarity.

The devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina, which claimed over 1,800 lives and caused billions of dollars in damage, continues to resonate twenty years later. The National Geographic documentary series, “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time,” provides a poignant reflection on the systemic failures and heroic resilience witnessed during the disaster. Through gripping narratives and archival footage, the series illuminates the untold stories of survival, sacrifice, and societal upheaval that defined this pivotal moment in American history.

Craft-Kerney’s journey from being forcibly evacuated from her home to founding a healthcare oasis in the midst of a healthcare crisis exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Her selfless dedication to serving those in need serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the enduring impact of acts of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis.

As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Craft-Kerney’s story stands as a testament to the resilience and resolve of individuals who refuse to be defined by tragedy but instead choose to rebuild, heal, and uplift their communities. In the face of overwhelming challenges, she embodies the spirit of perseverance and compassion that continues to define the human response to adversity.