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Planning for disaster: A new community outreach program for mental health centers
Author(s) -
Hartsough Don M.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/1520-6629(198207)10:3<255::aid-jcop2290100310>3.0.co;2-s
Subject(s) - outreach , mental health , preparedness , disaster planning , plan (archaeology) , disaster preparedness , intervention (counseling) , emergency management , medical emergency , nursing , business , suicide prevention , medicine , poison control , political science , psychiatry , geography , archaeology , law
Disaster victims typically do not request services from the mental health system. Victims must be contacted through innovative outreach programs linked to the disaster relief network. Advance planning for disaster programs by mental health centers is highly desirable, but barriers may be encountered related to (a) external support, (b) information on victim needs, (c) intervention methods, (d) linkage with disaster agencies, or (d) planning guidelines. Advice and information are offered on how to overcome each potential barrier. A model disaster plan is outlined that is consistent with NIMH guidelines for disaster preparedness planning, and with three criteria considered essential for an effective plan.