The webinar focused on the importance of crisis care and mental health support during disaster response. Representatives from Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) highlighted disaster behavioral health preparedness, response, and recovery activities. In addition, presenters covered disaster-specific crisis training (Psychological First Aid – PFA), the Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH), and the Crisis Emotional Care Team (CECT). Following Vibrant’s presentation, state mental health representatives discussed how they have utilized the training/programs discussed by Vibrant and how they curated programs/trainings to meet their community’s needs following various types of disasters, including natural disasters and incidences of mass violence.
Presenters:
- “Vibrant Emotional Health Disaster Services” by Dr. April Naturale and Amy Carol Dominquez
- “Missouri Disaster Behavioral Health” by Beckie Gierer
- “Disaster Crisis Counseling Program Implementation and Reflections: Tennessee” by Jennifer Armstrong and Andy Lawrence
- Washington Update Information compiled by Aaron Walker, NASMHPD’s Policy Manager
