The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56875

John Kastan, PhD¹, Barry Rock², Roy H. Lubit³, and Katie Holmes². (1) Behavioral Health Services, Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers, 203 West 12th St., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011, 212 604 1571, jkastan@svcmcny.org, (2) Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY 10023, (3) Department of Psychiatry, Saint Vincents Hospital, 140 West 12th Street, Reiss Pavilion, New York, NY 10011

As a result of the September 11 2001 terrorist attack and its aftermath, issues related to the ability of the nation’s mental health system to respond to post-disaster traumatic reactions have received attention as never before. In the New York City metropolitan area, there has been a tremendous if uncoordinated effort to respond to the myriad requests for assistance. During the 2002 APHA meeting, we presented some preliminary information on the mental health response to the events of 9/11 That presentation was based upon observation, interviews, media accounts, and what published research existed at the time. At the 2003 meeting, we plan to present further information on the longer-term response to the continued need for services and the lessons learned, as well as provide an assessment of the extent to which changes have been made in the organization and operation of the City’s mental health system. Some of the issues we are exploring include what resources have been put in place to reassure those that were left in limbo after 9/11 that we will be prepared should this happen again? What has been put in place to encourage collaboration rather than competition among the various stakeholders ? What sorts of protocols have been established and communicated to address disaster response ? What sorts of training have been made available and what has been the response ? What, if any, planning processes have been established to identify needs ? And, what ongoing monitoring is occurring to assure readiness ?

Learning Objectives:

• individuals will be able to describe key aspects of New York City's response to the mental health sequelae of the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks
• Individuals will be able to articulate significant challenges and opportunities in planning a disaster mental health capacity
• Individuals will be able to identify operational issues that affect post 9/11 disaster mental health readiness

Keywords: Mental Health System, Disasters

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.