Pulitzer Winner Sheri Fink to Speak at Central Queens Y

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Sheri Fink will discuss a disturbing story she uncovered while covering Hurricane Katrina during a talk at the Central Queens Y on Oct. 21.

Fink’s book, “Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital,” is based on the trial of a doctor accused of second-degree murder for the deaths of patients at a New Orleans hospital.

After Katrina struck and the flood waters began to rise, the power failed and the heat started to climb, exhausted workers at the hospital chose to designate certain patients last for rescue.

Months later, several health professionals faced criminal allegations that they had deliberately injected a number of patients with drugs to hasten their deaths.

Fink’s book tackles the subject of ethical decisions made under duress and questions how prepared the United States is for the impact of large-scale disasters.

Fink, who is also an M.D., has been a relief worker in disaster and combat zones as well as worked with humanitarian organizations on several continents.

The event will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Central Queens Y, located at 67-09 108th St. in Forest Hills.

It is open to the public, but a $7 donation is suggested.

For more information, call 718-268-5011, ext. 151 or email pkurtz@cqy.org.