Interviewer(s): Ernesto Valdez

Projects: University of Houston

Dr. Mattox was interviewed in his office at Ben Taub General Hospital on July 20, 2006. This interview sheds light on the sophisticated network of disaster and trauma that exists among first responder units irrespective of the types of disasters: earthquakes, storms, floods, explosions, or terrorists attacks. It was from this body of knowledge and experience that Houston and Harris County personnel were able to prepare virtually seamless medical and mental health services to the New Orleans evacuees of Hurricane Katrina.

The candor of the interview also lends the historian a view “from the top” of the necessity of clear command channels, training, a need to remain respectful of those being assisted, and the value of community preparedness.

The interview was conducted by Ernesto Valdés, Center for Public History, University of Houston where the tape is deposited in M.D. Anderson Library on the main campus of the university.