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This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network.

About SAMHSA DTAC

Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) supports SAMHSA’s efforts to prepare States, Territories, and local entities to deliver an effective behavioral health response during disasters.

SAMHSA DTAC assists States and Territories with behavioral health “all-hazards” disaster planning that allows them to prepare for and respond to both natural and man made disasters. SAMHSA DTAC provides consultation to review disaster plans and compiles research on “new” threats and planning methodologies.

SAMHSA DTAC supports collaboration between mental health and substance abuse authorities, Federal agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and experts in the field. The Center organizes training events and workshops and facilitates the sharing of information and best practices.

SAMHSA DTAC houses a library of print and electronic resource materials and continually identifies and develops new materials to address gaps and meet emerging disaster behavioral health needs. SAMHSA DTAC produces The Dialogue, an electronic quarterly informational bulletin highlighting Center activities and resources relevant to the field. The Center maintains a toll-free help line (1-800-308-3515), a comprehensive Web site, and an e-mail address (dtac@esi-dc.com).

SAMHSA DTAC provides technical assistance to States and Territories throughout the phases of disaster recovery to support an effective behavioral health response.

Preparation

The SAMHSA DTAC assists the States and Territories with “all-hazards” disaster response planning. We support collaboration between mental health and substance abuse authorities, Federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The SAMHSA DTAC provides consultation to review disaster plans, conducts literature reviews, brokers knowledge and support.

Response

Contact SAMHSA DTAC staff for assistance in identifying:

• Suitable publications;
• Psychoeducational materials; and
• Expert consultants.

The SAMHSA DTAC staff members organize training events and workshops and share the experiences of States that have confronted certain types of disasters.

Communication

We maintain a contact database of State/Territory mental health commissioners, substance abuse directors, and disaster coordinators, as well as a roster of Federal agencies and NGOs involved in disaster and trauma research and/or service delivery. The SAMHSA DTAC produces The Dialogue, an electronic, quarterly information bulletin highlighting Center activities and resources relevant to the field. In addition, the SAMHSA DTAC Web site offers valuable resources and will host Webcasts and online training events on topics relevant to disaster preparedness and response.

Resources

Dedicated technical assistance (TA), publications, and logistics personnel staff the Center. The SAMHSA DTAC houses a collection of materials, including those developed by crisis counseling programs and peer-reviewed literature. TA specialists ensure that resources are current and are working to develop new resources to address gaps in the disaster mental health and substance abuse literature.