Mental needs and use of services reported by disaster response volunteers

Purpose: 2005 is marked in history for U.S. hurricane disasters that affected an unprecedented number of survivors and emergency response personnel. Often overlooked are the special needs of disaster response volunteers deployed by agencies like the American Red Cross (ARC). This study describes volunteers' experiences in witnessing disaster conditions and stress from living conditions and performing volunteer duties. Volunteers also reported follow-up mental health needs and post-deployment mental health support such as debriefing and available counseling. Methods: Two focus groups were held with ARC volunteers deployed for Katrina, Wilma and/or Rita disaster response. An independent survey was administered via email to ARC volunteers. Results: Volunteers reported witnessing grisly sites such as dead animals and devastated homes. Stressful work conditions included handling difficult clients who had needs beyond what volunteers could meet. Few clients understand the role of the ARC in disaster response. Mismatches occurred between expected roles and field conditions and lack of site organization. On return, volunteers described difficulty talking to their social support networks. Volunteers reported not needing counseling services immediately upon return from the field; instead their needs arose months later when they “digested” their experiences. Although offered counseling services, few volunteers reported using offered services. Conclusions: Projected growing needs for disaster response volunteers requires federal and agency program planning meeting volunteer needs for mental health services. A larger core of mental health providers need training to reach and best serve disaster response volunteers and staff. Policy, programmatic recommendations and best practices will be discussed.