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• Disaster Psychiatry

Disaster Psychiatry

APA Responds to Haiti Crisis

(Jan. 15, 2010)
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the APA offers condolences and support to all those affected by this tragedy. This disaster also affects the large number of Americans in the U.S. who have relatives, friends and colleagues in the region.

We know many of our colleagues here at home, in Haiti, and around the globe will be called upon to deal with the mental health consequences that will arise from this tragedy. We are confident that they will meet this challenge. We can all find ways to help our Haitian friends here in the U.S., the families of the first responders now deployed, and most importantly help Haiti and its people recover, rebuild and cope with the myriad consequences of the devastation.

The APA Council on Research and Quality Care and the Office of International Activities is monitoring the situation, maintaining coordination with other mental health organizations responding with education, care and consultation. We are receiving information from the American Red Cross. We welcome input and information. You may contact Ms. Elizabeth Stickman, Office of International Activities, at estickman@psych.org to keep our knowledge network informed and able to provide the best information possible.

To assist in the mental health response, we have many resources on disaster psychiatry and disaster mental health care and services posted on our Web site,
including: Disaster Resources for First Responders, and Providing Assistance to Victims.

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) offers recommended qualifications for foreign mental health professionals wishing to travel to disaster-affected regions in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (Action Sheet 4.1 Point 7, pages 73-74).

Additional resources and links may also be found at American Psychiatric Association, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS), and National Center for PTSD.

The APA is proud of and supports the important work of our district branches as they respond to their communities and of our members as they work to assist through their organizations and practices.


Sincerely,

Robert J. Ursano, M.D.
Member, Council on Research and Quality Care
Chair, Disaster Psychiatry Work Group 

APA Offers Condolences over Tragic Haiti Earthquake  (Press Release: Jan. 13, 2010)

National Medical Association: Update on Haiti  (January 15, 2010)

How to Help

For individuals wishing to help, a list of charitable organizations  accepting financial donations to support recovery efforts in Haiti is available. In addition, Haiti Response Guidance lists specific information for providers and victims following the earthquakes, and APA Disaster Psychiatry provides general trauma and mental health information.