Course Description: Following last year's webcast describing the experiences of two survivors of mass shootings, this year's event will feature a multi-agency panel representing the key organizations involved in disaster response in New York State. Leaders from New York State Department of Health Office of Health Equity and Human Rights, New York State Office of Mental Health Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response, and the American Red Cross will explain how they prepare, deploy, and manage personnel throughout an operation, with focus on disaster mental health. They'll discuss specific examples of responses that went well, lessons learned, and operational improvements planned for the future.
Course Objectives:
· Gain insight on multi-agency and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) partnerships during disaster response.
· Understand the need for disaster mental health as a priority for governmental organizations and NGOs.
· Foster discussions between viewers and their home jurisdictions or agencies on disaster mental health resources and request procedures.
Target Audience: Emergency Management, mental health, hospital, public health workers, first responders, or anyone likely to become involved in the disaster response in their communities
Panelists:
· Patrick Reilly, Emergency Manager—New York State Office of Mental Health, Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response
· Skip Zimmerman, Disaster Mental Health Program Coordinator—New York State Office of Mental Health, Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response
· Mary McCormick, MPH, Executive Operations Manager—New York State Department of Health - Office of Health Equity and Human Rights, Executive Office
· Jerry DeLuca, Division Disaster Director—American Red Cross - Northeast Division & FEMA Region II
Moderator: Karla Vermeulen, Ph.D., Deputy Director—Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz