Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | B | Behavioral Health Management

Rebuilding after Katrina and Rita.

Article Excerpt
Hurricanes Katrina's and Rita's widespread destruction--both physical and psychological--presents many challenges for the behavioral health community. Behavioral Health Management asked several leaders in the field to offer their thoughts in the wake of Katrina's rampage (Rita had just unleashed her full fury as of press time). One key message emphasized is the need for emergency preparedness--a strategy that many agencies will be undoubtedly revisiting in the weeks ahead.

Challenges for Community Mental Healthcare by Linda Rosenberg, MSW, CSW

No one who sees a disaster is untouched. In the wake of disaster, community mental health and substance abuse treatment providers must address the critical needs of two groups: those who experience normal disaster-related stress and grief, and those with preexisting mental illnesses and substance abuse problems who need continued access to treatment, medications, and support. In serving the needs of these two groups, community mental healthcare providers face major challenges, as is evident on the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Community mental health centers (CMHCs) don't wait and expect survivors to come to them. CMHCs' staff immediately reach out, extending emergency psychiatric assistance in shelters, mass feeding sites, churches, and other locations housing survivors. Their first challenge is an accurate mental health assessment. Staff must differentiate between those in shock and struggling with the loss and disruption caused by the disaster, and those seriously psychiatrically ill. Survivors in shock need genuine concern and a listening ear. Several focused sessions that help with immediate problem solving might be best for them.

Individuals with preexisting serious mental illnesses are more vulnerable to stress, and a disaster of Hurricane Katrina's magnitude is clearly a huge stressor. People with mental illnesses have the same needs as everyone else for housing, stability, and support in the days following a disaster. In addition, they must have immediate access to their medications and to treatment. Staff must be prepared to help orient and anchor a person with mental illness if the increased fear and anxiety caused by a disaster have left...

View this article FREE - Now for a Limited Time, try Goliath Business News
Free for 3 Days!