 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Mark S. Salzer, PhD, Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215.349.8483, salzer@mail.med.upenn.edu
The vast majority of individuals in communities affected by disasters do not seek out professionally delivered forms of mental health services following disasters. Stigma associated with receiving such services is widely recognized as a major factor in why people do not seek care. An additional explanation is that persons get many of their needs met through informal sources, including support provided by others in their social networks, especially friends, family members, and others affected by the event (i.e., peers) that is sufficient for them to effectively cope with the event. It is also recognized that there is great variability in access to social support that leaves some members struggling with their reactions to an event on their own. Research has indicated that peer-led interventions such as self-help groups have the potential to be beneficial to people experiencing a broad-range of mental health difficulties from acute stress reactions to severe psychiatric disorders.
This presentation will focus on the benefits of peer-delivered services in response to disasters and discuss strategies for implementing such approaches. The presenter will also specifically discuss the development of a community-led Disaster Community Support Network (DCSN) in Philadelphia, PA. The DCSN will support community meetings led by community members following a disaster in order to foster mutual aid and community-wide advocacy.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Disasters, Peer Counselors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Collaborator