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Emergency Services and Disaster Relief Branch, Center for Mental Health Services - ESDRB

Organization URL(s)

www.mentalhealth.org/cmhs/EmergencyServices/  External Link

Other Contact Information

Center for Mental Health Services
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 17C-20
Rockville, MD 20857

301-443-4735 (Voice)
301-443-8040 (FAX)

Description

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is the lead Federal agency responsible for implementing Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF-8), the health and medical portion of the Federal Disaster Response Plan. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), through the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), is charge with the task of meeting the mental health needs of survivors and responders. CMHS staff work closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), SAMHSA and its other Centers to assist States and communities in their disaster planning and preparedness efforts. The Emergency Services and Disaster Relief Branch (ESDRB) of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) works in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to implement the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP). After a Presidentially declared disaster, States are able to apply for Crisis Counseling Program grants to provide mental health services to disaster victims. The crisis Counseling Program is designed to provide all individuals who live or work in a disaster area with mental health services. Although elements of the program services are directed to individuals at risk fo particular mental health concerns, the main purpose of the program is to provide counseling and education to all individuals affected by a disaster. In collaboration with FEMA, CMHS conducts an annual training for State mental health directors responsible for implementing the CCP. Publications regarding disaster mental health and program guidances have been written to ensure that the CCP addresses the mental health needs of disaster victims appropriately. CMHS Project Officers also provide technical assistance with their applications, site visits and grant monitoring.

Online Resources

Print Resources

Publications offer guidelines for the prevention and control of stress among emergency workers and discuss appropriate services for victims of disasters.

Related Topics

Review Date

Wed Sep 15, 2004