COPING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES:  THERE IS HELP AND HOPE
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 2007 tragedy at Virginia Tech; natural disasters such as the 2008 floodings in the Midwest, or Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; the aftermath of September 11, 2001; ongoing terrorism threats; and military actions.

School Violence

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.

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/index.aspx.

Natural Disasters

"Disasters and Emergencies: Hurricanes" -- A Department of Health and Human Services Web site providing links to federal and state health and emergency resources

"Flood and Dam Failure" -- A Department of Health and Human Services Web site providing links and resources

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.

"Mental Health and Traumatic Events" -- A Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Web site that provides links to resources for a variety of audiences, including emergency and disaster response workers, teachers, parents, and families.

"SAMHSA's One-Stop Shop (S.O.S.) for Katrina and Rita Resources" -- Information and resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

"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.

Help for Consumers

September 11, 2001

NAPHS and AHA Member Advisory:  Behavioral Health Services:  Responding to the National Crisis / September 11, 2001

NAPHS/AHA Letter for the record of 9/26/01 Senate Hearing on "Psychological Trauma Caused by Terrorism"

Examples of Anniversary Activities by NAPHS Members (September 2002)

Examples of Community Outreach by NAPHS Members

Trauma and children:  A handout from the 12/3/01 AHA/NAPHS "Hot Topics" teleconference.

Other Helpful Resources (including fact sheets, web sites, etc.)

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NAPHS
701 13th Street, NW, Suite 950
Washington, DC 20005-3903
Phone: 202/393-6700
Fax: 202/783-6041
E-mail:  naphs@naphs.org