Additional Resources
Psychosocial Interventions Handbook
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies offers a resource on Psychosocial Interventions during humanitarian assistance and emergency response. From their website, "The world faces increasing challenges every day and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) provides humanitarian assistance not only with traditional relief aid such as shelter, food distribution and basic health care, but also with psychosocial support. Psychosocial support is an integral part of the IFRC’s emergency response. It helps individuals and communities to heal the psychological wounds and rebuild social structures after an emergency or a critical event. It can help change people into active survivors rather than passive victims."
Psychosocial support for pregnant women and for families with microcephaly and other neurological complications in the context of Zika virus: Interim guidance for health-care providers
The World Health Organization has announced that microcephaly associated with Zika virus infection represents a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. A causal relationship between Zika infection during pregnancy and microcephaly is strongly suspected, though not scientifically proven. Several countries have also reported an increase in the incidence of cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome concurrent with Zika virus outbrek. This document describes guidance for a supportive response by healthcare providers (e.g. physicians, nurses), focusing primarily on women affected by Zika virus infection during pregnancy and their families, for their mental health and psychosocial needs.
NCTSN Military and Veteran Families Learning Community
In July 2015, SAMHSA, NCTSN and Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) partnered together to produce a special pre-conference event in conjunction with MCEC's National Training Seminar in Washington DC. Experts and leadership provided interviews, panel discussions and TED-like talks on issues pertaining to care and support to military connected families and children.
Please click here to see additional video resources from this event
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030
The publication of the Sendai Framework was the result of activities that began last year at the International Symposium on Disaster Medical and Public Health Management. Dr. Ursano, leading a team of subject matter experts, including Dr. Flynn and Dr. Morganstein, developed policy recommendations to assist member nations of the UN in reducing the risk and impact of adverse psychosocial and mental health.
For the first time, in a report with great global impact, a call to address mental health issues was included as a part of disaster risk reduction. This is significant, given that mental health has not been mentioned in previous versions of the framework. The Sendai Framework will have substantial impact, as it will be used globally for the next 15 years to guide disaster risk reduction.
Emergency Action Plan
Natural disasters, workplace violence, and other events require effective emergency preparation and response in the workplace. It is essential to ensure the safety of staff through the awareness of appropriate actions to be taken under various emergency situations. Organizations with offsite facilities that are rented or leased may have personnel working in these locations that are not be covered by the disaster planning guidance of their parent organization. A comprehensive understanding of the limitations and constraints that impact effective disaster planning is critical for the care and welfare of all employees. This document is a template "Emergency Action Plan" which also incorporates lessons learned regarding some of these unique issues that off-site facilities may encounter when developing disaster preparation and response plans.
It is available in word document and PDF form.
Learn more or download the template
SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Mobile App
SAMHSA’s new app provides suicide prevention resources culturally specific to tribal communities.
"A mobile app, Suicide Safe, created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help health care providers treating patients at risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors is available at no cost through SAMHSA’s website.”
NAMI Homefront
“NAMI Homefront is a free, six-session education program for family, friends and significant others of Military Service Members and Veterans with mental health conditions. It focuses on the unique needs of military and veteran communities, such as post-deployment and post-discharge transitions.”
Learn more about NAMI Homefront
Military Culture: Core competencies for healthcare professionals
“This website was designed by Military Culture experts working as part of a DoD/VA collaborative effort to help healthcare professionals become more culturally aware by providing education, tools and resources for their clinical practice.”