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Substance abuse experts, in particular, emphasized the need for their field to become more involved in disaster planning-especially as research provides new information on issues involving alcohol and drug use after traumatic events. SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Director H. Westley Clark, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., said, "Following a disaster or attack, we have seen an increased demand for services from people currently in treatment and people with histories of substance-related disorders. Substance use disorder treatment programs need to be prepared to address this." "These are our experts," announced Bonnie Selzler, Ph.D., the state liaison from SAMHSA's Disaster Technical Assistance Center, as she introduced representatives from the six jurisdictions affected most by the September 11 and anthrax attacks. Each presenter provided planning insights that could apply to any region. For instance, establishing an immediate presence at a disaster scene is important, even if your services aren't immediately needed. It's equally crucial to clarify inter-jurisdictional relationships and responsibilities ahead of time-particularly when a terrorist attack could easily span multiple regions or involve military and civilian populations. Ruby Brown, Ph.D., Project Director of the Arlington County Community Resilience Project, described how easily confusion could have ensued after the Pentagon burst into flames following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Paramedics, firefighters, police, Red Cross workers, and criminal investigators were called to the scene and all knew their jurisdictional roles. They were able to work together to bring the scene under control as quickly as possible. Field staff also recommended preparing for a response that could last more than 1 year and that would use informal outreach approaches to counter stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse treatment. Conference participants identified a range of components that improve mental health and substance abuse emergency preparedness efforts, including:
SAMHSA is also sponsoring a series of regional summits to continue helping states with emergency preparedness planning. |
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration • 1 Choke Cherry Road • Rockville, MD 20857
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