Barriers and facilitators to recruiting and training behavioral health professionals as volunteers during a disaster

Community-wide events, like pandemic flu, rely on volunteers to address surge demands. According to the Integrated Theory of Volunteerism, volunteerism is a function of human-, social- and cultural-capital. Previous studies have examined this theory and volunteer participation in relationship to the general public; however, few studies have evaluated the motivations and barriers of behavioral health professionals. During an event that overtaxes extant public health resources, the mental health support given by volunteer behavioral health professionals is critical. To assess the knowledge, attitude and skills of these professionals concerning disaster volunteerism and to determine their preferences and needs for continuing education in disaster response, a survey was administered to licensed behavioral health professionals throughout Kentucky. Statistical analyses were done to correlate training and likelihood of volunteering. Results indicated most respondents have not received formal or informal training in disaster mental health. While 84% of respondents were not registered volunteers of a disaster response agency, 75% predicted they would offer volunteer assistance in response to a disaster. The results established an individual's morality/ethics, personal responsibility, and a sense of civic duty as important motivations for volunteering. Work and family obligations were the primary barriers. Majority of respondents preferred in-person workshops for continuing education and training as opposed to online structured learning. Cost, location, and time of training were the main obstacles. This study recommends steps that can be taken to recruit, train and deploy behavioral health professionals who can help preserve the mental well-being of victims and disaster respondents.