Mental health needs of disaster volunteers: a plea for awareness.
OBJECTIVE
Meeting the mental health needs of disaster response volunteers. Voluntary disaster response organizations deployed volunteers across the country following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.


OBJECTIVE
Disaster response volunteers may experience mental health needs, particularly following extended or multiple deployments. This article attempts to heighten the awareness of psychiatric mental health nurses regarding mental health needs of disaster volunteers.


METHODS
As noted in the reference list.


CONCLUSIONS
It is essential to find ways to provide support for disaster volunteers experiencing stress and mental health needs, particularly for those who are not connected with an established disaster mental services program. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses who are active in their communities are in a unique position to meet the mental health needs of volunteers who would otherwise not seek mental health assistance.
Adams
Lavonne M
LM
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, USA. l.adams2@tcu.edu
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D004190:Disasters; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D016272:Occupational Health; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D012011:Red Cross; D014481:United States; D014837:Voluntary Health Agencies; D014838:Volunteers / Q000523:psychology*