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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Sarah J. Powell, MA, Public Health Department, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad St, suite 304, Philadelphia, PA 19122, Tamar Klaiman, MPH, Department of Public Health, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad St., Rm. 304, Philadelphia, PA 19122, 267-408-6934, tamark@temple.edu, and Alice Hausman, PhD, MPH, Department of Health Studies, Temple University, 1700 North Broad, Room 304, Philadelphia, PA 19122.

The importance of an effective mental health response to disasters has resonated in recent years, particularly in light of the events of September 11, 2001, the Beltway sniper attacks, and Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast region. Natural disasters can affect homes, family members, social networks, and needed services for hundreds of thousands of individuals. In particular, acts of terrorism are intended to provoke collective fear and uncertainty. This study was completed through qualitative, open-ended interviews conducted with Mental Health Disaster Coordinators in twenty different counties throughout Pennsylvania between August 2004 and August 2005. The research provides depth to the varying relationships that exist between emergency management and mental health, the county and state levels, and between Mental Health Disaster Coordinators and the various VOADs (Voluntary Organizations across Disasters) that exist locally, including the Salvation Army and Red Cross. This is achieved primarily by gaining an understanding of the networks that exist, perceived needs in terms of local coalition building and training, and the ease or difficulty of establishing and maintaining robust, operational disaster response plans. The study was done in collaboration with state level mental health and public health officials. As the importance of a strong county core dedicated to building a strong mental health disaster response cannot be overstated, the continued encouragement and support of state and federal agencies for local level response efforts must continue if we are to be better prepared for events that may lie ahead.

Learning Objectives:

• • Identify Best Practices from Pennsylvania Mental Health Disaster Coordinators (MHDCs) applicable to any local response effort.
• • Identify five Lessons Learned by MHDCs that have broader implications for national preparedness and disaster response.
• • Recognize the importance of qualitative research and experiential narratives in the disaster planning process.

Keywords: Community Response, Disasters

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation