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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Judith Samuels, PhD, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Center for the Study of Issues in Public Mental Health, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962, (914) 398-6579, samuels@nki.rfmh.org and Carole Siegel, PhD, Center for the Study of Issues in Public Mental Health, Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY 10962.
What is the capacity of an area to respond adequately to mental health needs that emerge after a major crisis? How much can come from the formal mental health system? How much from non-specialty mental health services? Is it sufficient? These are important public health services questions that emerged after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We assisted in the estimation of the capacity to meet the needs of the NY population regarding the mental health impact of the disaster. A model was developed to estimate extended capacity requirements; efforts were made to collect some of the required data.
We present the pragmatic approach taken to estimate current capacity and challenges encountered. These include developing a comprehensive accounting of mental health specialty services and estimating mental health capacity found in employer, community services and other service sectors. Problems with the use of existing data to estimate capacity are highlighted.
A comprehensive model is described to estimate extended capacity requirements that considers both specialty and non-specialty mental health services. It is based on the expected increase in mental health problems stemming from a major disaster, estimation of the services needed to meet these needs, and decisions on where these services could be located. The model has served to highlight gaps in knowledge on current service availability. Filling in these gaps would help to better focus resources for coordination and training requirements of professionals in all sectors to properly handle/triage the mental and emotion distress of those who may contact them.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Disasters, Service Delivery
Related Web page: csipmh.rfmh.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.