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"Disasters cause extreme stress on the service system and society as a whole. People with mental illness may be particularly vulnerable," said Brian Flynn, Ed.D., at a CMHS press briefing last month. He is chief of the CMHS emergency services and disaster relief branch.
The money will be used to provide informal mental health counseling where people live including shelters, and workplaces.
Local mental health professionals will train 200 lay people in crisis counseling. They will continue to receive supervision and training throughout the approximately one-year program, said Flynn. CMHS will provide funding for victims' mental services after the FEMA grant ends in 60 days.
"The vast majority of counselors are local nonprofessionals familiar with the community and referral system. They are there as active listeners rather than providing treatment or psychotherapy," said Flynn. She added that local psychiatrists may be involved in training, consultation, and supervision.
"We use a mental health model rather than a mental illness one in disaster relief efforts because the majority of people are experiencing a normal response to an abnormal situation. Most people have never sought out mental health services before and need a lot of education initially," said Flynn.
CMHS emergency services staff will work with the state mental health authority to design a disaster service program that includes training for program administrators, mental health professionals, school personnel, clergy, and other people providing assistance and comfort.
"We anticipate that people will feel the effects of the floods in North Dakota for some time," Flynn added.
CMHS emergency services staff coordinate their mental health efforts with FEMA, local mental health professionals and Red Cross staff.
"We have a close relationship with the Red Cross, who are very helpful in identifying mental health needs of people in shelters," said Flynn.
He added that CMHS staff have been working closely with APA's Committee on Psychiatric Dimensions of Disasters to develop information and guidelines for psychiatrists assisting in disaster relief efforts. He expects the guidelines to be published next year.
In the meantime, CMHS has published a resource for mental health professionals working in communities affected by disasters. "Responding to the Needs of People With Serious Mental Illness in Times of Major Disaster" can be ordered by calling (800) 789-2647 (CMHS).
(Psychiatric News, June 6, 1997)