A comparison of statewide emergency mental health preparedness plans for "high-impact" 9/11 states:Communication assumptions, mechanisms, and strategies
Thomas Gordon, PhD1, Sheryl Burt Ruzek, PhD, MPH2, Brenda F. Seals, PhD, MPH3, Sarah Bauerle Bass, PhD, MPH2, and Alice Hausman, PhD4. (1) Public Health Department, Temple University, Vivacqua Hall, Room 301J, Philadelphia, PA 19122, 215-204-1366, tfgordon@temple.edu, (2) Department of Public Health, College of Health Professions, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad Street, 304 Vivacqual Hall PO Box 2843, Philadelphia, PA 19122-0843, (3) MPH Program, Practice and Research Coordinator, Department of Public Health, Temple University, 301-C Vivacqua Hall, 1700 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, (4) Temple University, Public Health Department, Vivacqua Hall, Room 304, Philadelphia, PA 19122
BACKGROUND: The
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, created lasting fears,
anxiety and uncertainty. Mental health
services in the areas surrounding these tragedies were overwhelmed in the
aftermath of the disaster and current needs remain acute. In response, the CDC and other government
agencies created funding mechanisms that prompted the development of detailed
mental health emergency preparedness plans for every state. METHODS: This paper presents the results of a pilot
study of mental health preparedness plans for the four states nearest to the
two attacks including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. States that were more directly affected by
the 9/11 terrorist attacks might foster plans reflecting their experience with
this tragedy. A content analysis of
these plans to date was performed comparing the four states on mental health
coordination and communication efforts.
RESULTS: The plans differed on
key components including: (1) Communication assumptions about the states' population
distributions; (2) Mechanisms for communicating with diverse populations; and,
(3) Communication strategies adopted for effectively dealing with mental health
needs. CONCLUSIONS: The paper concludes by identifying: (1)
Communication areas of strength in the state plans; (2) Communication areas
needing more attention in overall strategic planning; (3) Areas of needed
research in the development of specific mental health communication strategies
targeted for at-risk individuals.
Creating comprehensive mental health emergency preparedness plans is a
critical strategy for states and municipalities to effectively respond to
community needs. Such plans need to
reflect “best practices” to maximize services in unpredictable and
uncontrollable events. .
Learning Objectives: The session attendees will be able to
(- Identify the primary communication components of statewide emergency mental health plans for the 4 compared states.
(
- Articulate major similarities and differences in risk communication assumptions, mechanisms, and strategies across state preparedness plans and analyze probable reasons for the differences.
(
- Identify the communication strengths and weaknesses of the state preparedness plans.
(
- Discuss the preparedness plans relative to the interplay of resources, geography, clinical services, communication assumptions, mechanisms, and strategies.
Keywords: Mental Health, Health Communications
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.
Theory and Research in Health Communication
The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA
