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Crisis Counseling Programs for the Rural CommunityAppendix C: Sources of Assistance and InformationGOVERNMENTFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FEMA coordinates with other state and Federal agencies to respond to Presidentially declared disasters. It provides disaster asistance for individuals, businesses (through the Small Business Administration), and communities under the Stafford Act. Federal Emergency Management Agency Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Through an interagency agreement with FEMA, CMHS provides consultation and technical assistance on the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program. Publications and videotapes on disaster human response are readily available through SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center. Center for Mental Health Services CMHS Clearinghouse NATIONALAmerican Red Cross (ARC) ARC has chapters in most large cities and a state chapter in each capital city. Every local Red Cross chapter is charged with readiness and response responsibilities in collaboration with its disaster partners. Disaster services include preparedness training, community education, mitigation, and response. They help families with immediate basic needs (food, clothing, shelter) as well as supportive services and longer term interventions. Contact the local chapter for assistance or the state chapter in your capital city. American Red Cross Professional Organizations Many professional organizations have gathered resources and information at national and state levels. Some may have established a formal network of professionals qualified to serve as consultants or volunteers. Helpful organizations include but are not limited to the following:
STATE AND LOCALDepartment of Mental Health Contact the state agency responsible for mental health services. There may be a state disaster mental health coordinator already designated to manage the Crisis Counseling Program. This main office will be located in your state's capital city. Emergency Services This is the lead agency delegated by the governor to carry the day-to-day emergency management responsibilities. Contact the Office of Emergency Services in your capital city. Universities and Medical Universities Academic practitioners with general training in stress, coping, and counseling often express interest in offering assistance. Caution is advised to assure that disaster survivors are treated appropriately, and not enlisted into a research study or given treatments designed for traditional psychiatric disasters. Undergraduate and graduate students are usually very interested in serving as crisis counselors. Contact your local university's department of psychiatry, psychology, or social work. Religious Organizations Churches, synagogues, and interfaith organizations provide a valuable resource for finding and serving disaster survivors. Often, they are the most productive and rapid responders for immediate basic needs. Most denominations have some kind of disaster relief program. Contact the district office for major denominations in your area. Media Television, radio, and newspapers should provide a listing of available resources and supports in major disasters. VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONSNational Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD) NVOAD has made disaster response a priority. Member organizations provide effective service and avoid duplicating services by coordinating them before a disaster strikes. Member organizations include:
Appendix D | Table of Contents |
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