The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49862

Roy Grant¹, Susan Paula, PhD², Paula Madrid, PhD³, Deborah Heiser², Lourdes Lynch, PhD¹, and Irwin Redlener, MD⁴. (1) Division of Community Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, 317 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021, 212-535-9779, rgrant@montefiore.org, (2) Community Support Program, Children's Health Fund, 317 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021, (3) Community Suppport Program, Children's Health Fund, 317 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021, (4) Division of Community Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore/ Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 317 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021

Before launching a program for children and families affected by the terror attacks of 9/11/01, the Children's Health Fund (CHF), a national organization committed to medically underserved children and families, commissioned a Marist poll to assess the impact on children, and another poll after anthrax reports began. Questions focusing on child behavior changes and parents' need for support were asked of 466 randomly selected NYC parents of children age 4-18 years. Fifty-two percent of children were concerned about safety, with an increase after initial anthrax reports. Anxiety and poor concentration were reported for 39% of children; 29% showed signs of depression; and 15% somatic symptoms. Half of parents value community services. There was minimal variation based on income, age, or proximity to Trade Centers. These results are consistent with the recent national RAND survey of adult response to 9/11 (NEJM, 345:20). CHF implemented a mobile Community Support Unit providing information, counseling, case management and referrals. Preliminary analysis of the concerns of the first 193 persons served shows widespread anxiety and stress, but rarely the request for ongoing psychotherapy. Initial concerns are based on primary needs, such as information, anticipatory guidance and support to help them respond to their children while managing their own anxiety. Many also require help to access to benefits to which they are entitled. Mental health needs, if present, are revealed over time. We conclude that an ongoing community-based model focusing on information, support and short-term intervention, rather than the FEMA immediate brief intervention model, is needed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session participants will become better able to

• Describe the immediate and ongoing concerns of people affected by the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City in the terror attack of 9/11/01;
• Identify the immediate and long-term impact of trauma on children and parents;
• Evaluate federal and local policies governing interventions following disasters and other similar incidents.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Public Health

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.