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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kermit Crawford, PhD, Center for MultiCultural Mental Health, 715 Albany St. M-912, Boston, MA 02118, 617-414-4646, kermit.crawford@bmc.org

For some African Americans they find themselves as being their own first responders in times of disasters. This may occur as a function of slow response or isolation from emergency services. Another complicating pattern is that of few first responders other than police are African Americans and therefore may be shunned or rejected as dependable and knowledgeable in the time of disaster. This may result in African Americans despite being the victim of a disaster having responses similar to those of responders and caregivers because of the need to take this role on during disasters. This presentation will discuss first response as well as share observations of a fact finding trip of needed mental health services for Gulf Residents.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe first response;
• Identify mental health services needs of Gulf residents.

Keywords: Mental Health Services, Disasters

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No