The National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems (NAPHS) has drawn together resources from a variety of sources to help members and the public cope in times of uncertainty and stress, including the 2013 Navy Yard shooting and Boston Marathon bombing, school tragedies (such as the 2012 shootings in Connecticut and Ohio and the 2007 tragedy at Virginia Tech); natural disasters (such as the 2013 and earlier tornadoes and hurricanes throughout the U.S., 2011 tsunami and earthquakes in Japan, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 2008 floodings in the Midwest, or Hurricanes Sandy, Katrina, and Rita); the aftermath of September 11, 2001; ongoing terrorism threats; and military actions. A valuable resource is the Disaster Distress Helpline (sponsored by SAMHSA) at 1-800-985-5990.
Coping with Traumatic Events
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers essential mental health information for those seeking help after a traumatic experience. See www.samhsa.gov/trauma. Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline (sponsored by SAMHSA) at
Helping First Responders
Helping Mental Health Responders in the Wake of Disaster is a SAMHSA mental health awareness toolkit that provides first responders—whether they are disaster response workers, parents, caregivers, or teachers—with specific tips for responding effectively to people in the wake of a disaster.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assembled a collection of resources on violence prevention to help parents, students, and school personnel cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event. See www.cdc.gov/Features/SchoolViolence. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers resources for coping with the 2012 Connecticut and 2012 Ohio school tragedy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is posting updates on the H1N1 virus, with specific materials aimed at helping hospitals and other providers -- as well as the general public. See www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance for links to various resources.
The Disaster Distress Helpline (sponsored by SAMHSA) at 1-800-985-5990
Getting through Tough Economic Times
This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) online guide provides practical advice on identifying health concerns, developing coping skills, and finding help for people dealing with emotional or other health problems associated with economic hard times. See www.samhsa.gov/economy.
Hurricane Katrina & Hurricane Rita
NAPHS joined with the American Hospital Association (AHA) and other national and state healthcare associations in a coordinated effort to provide a single point of contact and information for hospitals interested in supporting hurricane relief efforts. The coalition created a Web site at www.hospitalreliefefforts.org for hospitals to register what personnel and supplies they could provide for the relief effort. The information is shared with the Department of Health and Human Services, which contacts hospitals from which the agency would like assistance.
"Disaster Mental Health" -- A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) summary of information on general strategies for promoting mental health and resilience that have been developed by various organizations based on experiences in prior disasters.