What's New October 2005

The aftermath of the recent Hurricanes, Katrina and Rita, is expected to be a long and difficult period for survivors. In addition to great personal loss, experts predict varying degrees of psychological responses over time.
The emotional toll on first responders as well as on individuals who watched the crisis unfold from the "safety" of their living rooms also can be significant.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) recognizes the serious nature of psychological responses to trauma and the need for specialized assistance for victims in times of crisis.

CMHS is providing disaster-related information and resources in various
formats- including print, online, and audiovisual-to meet immediate and future needs of families, responders, and community leaders. You can link to the SAMHSA/CMHS Hurricane and Other Disaster Relief Information page at http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/katrina to access these valuable resources.

We have listed below special online features for October and select publications that are available at SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center Web site. You can link or post any of these online features to your Web site with a link back to the National Mental Health Information Center's Web site as your source.

To order print publications, go to
http://nmhicstore.samhsa.gov/publications/ordering.aspx or call
1-800-789-2647 for bilingual information services; 866-889-2647 (TDD).

Features for October 2005

• CMHS Program Spotlight
• Featured Publications
• National Observances

CMHS Program Spotlight: The Center on Women, Violence, and Trauma
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/womenandtrauma/about.asp

The Center on Women, Violence, and Trauma highlights issues related to violence and trauma in the lives of people with behavioral health disorders. Visit the center's Web page to learn about its efforts on behalf of women who struggle with the consequences of trauma and retraumatization.

Featured Publications

A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professions (SMA-4113) http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA-4113/default.asp
This guide provides a framework of stress management strategies for crisis response workers and managers, including first responders, public health workers, construction workers, transportation workers, utilities workers, and volunteers.

Supporting the Survivor (SMA 05-4028)
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA05-4028/victimforprint.asp
This guide addresses the impact of violent trauma on loved ones and gives tips on how to help them.

October National Observances

Mental Illness Awareness Week: 10/2-8, 2005 http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/october2005/awareness/default.asp
The theme for this year's Mental Illness Awareness Week, Leveling the Playing Field: Eliminating the Unintended Consequences of Mental Illness, reflects the hope and real possibility of reclaiming lives in all communities across the country. During this annual celebration, people from all walks of life will recognize the challenges of mental illness and celebrate their own recovery and that of loved ones.

National Depression Screening Day: 10/6/2005 http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/october2005/Depression/default.asp
Observed each year along with Mental Illness Awareness Week, this national observance focuses attention on depression and other mood disorders and offers individuals across the country opportunities to be screened for depression and to locate appropriate and reliable mental health care services.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/october2005/Domestic/default.asp
Domestic violence is one form of intimate partner violence. During this month national, State, and community-based domestic violence prevention and victim service organizations; corporations; health care providers; faith-based groups; public agencies; and others will sponsor events to raise public awareness about this problem.

Thank you for your efforts to promote mental health awareness and to provide support and services to those in need.

Please send us your feedback.

SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center nmhic-info@samhsa.hhs.gov

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Mental Health Information Center's Web site http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov and call center (1-800-789-2647) offer users of mental health services-families, the general public, policymakers, providers, and the media-reliable information and resources to support mental health needs and objectives. These services are administered through SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) division.