Disaster mental health training programmes in New York City following September 11, 2001

Kimberly B. Gill, Robyn R. Gershon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)608-618
Number of pages11
JournalDisasters
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010

Keywords

  • Disaster mental health
  • Disaster planning
  • Preparedness
  • Response
  • Training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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