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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Darrin A. Donato, SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center, 7735 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814, 240-744-7034, darrind@esi-dc.com

In the aftermath of the 2005 hurricanes, evacuees were relocated to every State and Territory in the nation. The unprecedented scope of these disasters challenged many States to set up emergency shelters. Providing services in a manner that preserves human rights and dignity is critically important in the mass care of victims of disaster or public health emergency. Mass care venues such as disaster shelters will encounter safety, health, mental health, and substance abuse services needs. A robust response includes the participation of key stakeholders from emergency management, public safety, public health, mental health, substance abuse, voluntary organizations, and faith-based responders. In support of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) provided technical assistance to behavioral health responders throughout the country as they received evacuees and set up crisis counseling programs. This session will discuss the challenges, successes, and lessons learned in providing public and behavioral health services to victims of the 2005 hurricanes. It will include the perspectives of both Gulf Coast and evacuee State behavioral health responders who delivered services in mass care settings. The session will identify the emotional issues likely to be encountered following disaster or emergency; outline culturally sensitive, evidence-informed interventions; and emphasize the crucial role of communication and coordination between disaster response stakeholders.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will identify the emotional issues likely to be encountered following disaster or emergency; outline culturally sensitive, evidence-informed interventions; and describe the crucial role of communication and coordination between disaster response stakeholders.

Keywords: Mental Health, Disasters

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation