In December 1999, weeks of torrential rain fell in record proportions and caused massive landslides and severe flooding in seven northern states of Venezuela. Rivers swept through the capital city of Caracas and washed away thousands of homes and buried entire communities in mud in the coastal valleys. Many of the flood victims were families living in poverty level that had left the countryside to settle near urban centers in hope of finding employment and education for their children. Health risks, economic loss and fear of future disasters left residents displaced with little hope of returning to their homes. Following the disaster, families were taken by bus or plane away from their communities of origin and given temporary shelter in military bunks, sports centers and converted schools. Driven by its mission to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by disaster, the American Red Cross responded immediately. This poster presents the development of a psychosocial program within the Venezuelan Red Cross. The program is divided into three phases: Training, Program Development and Evaluation. Emphasis is placed on culturally-specific interventions used and recommendations are given for future international disaster emergency mental health response.
Keywords: Mental Health, Disasters
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Red Cross-International Services
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.