Disaster mental health training programmes in New York City following September 11, 2001.
The need for mental health resources to provide care to the community following large-scale disasters is well documented. In the aftermath of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster on September 11, 2001, many local agencies and organizations responded by providing informal mental health services, including disaster mental health training for practitioners. The quality of these programmes has not been assessed, however. The National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University's School of Public Health reviewed disaster mental health training programmes administered by community-based organizations, professional associations, hospitals, and government agencies after September 11. Results indicate that the quality and the effectiveness of programmes are difficult to assess. A wide range of curricula and a widespread lack of recordkeeping and credentialing of trainers were noted. Most of the training programmes provided are no longer available. Recommendations for improving the quality of disaster mental health training programmes are provided.
Gill
Kimberly B
KB
Center for Public Health Preparedness, National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, NY, USA. kgill@udel.edu
Gershon
Robyn R
RR
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003479:Curriculum; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D009519:New York City; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration*; D047851:September 11 Terrorist Attacks / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000517:prevention & control; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires