ABSTRACT
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the Department of Health and Human Services offers extensive disaster behavior health resources to assist disaster survivors in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural and manmade disasters. One of SAMHSA's most innovative resources is the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Disaster Response App (SAMHSA Disaster App). The SAMHSA Disaster App prepares behavioral health responders for any type of traumatic event by allowing them to access disaster-related materials and other key resources right on their phone, at the touch of a button. The SAMHSA Disaster App is available on iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry devices.
Subject(s)
Disaster Medicine/methods , Disaster Planning/methods , Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems/statistics & numerical data , Health Planning/methods , Mobile Applications/statistics & numerical data , United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration , Adaptation, Psychological , Disaster Medicine/statistics & numerical data , Disaster Planning/organization & administration , Health Planning/organization & administration , Humans , Substance-Related Disorders , United StatesABSTRACT
During the past several years, the US federal government has increased its role in preparing for and responding to natural and manmade disasters. The support and services that federal agencies provide to communities to address the psychological impact of trauma on citizens of all ages are valuable assets before and after a disaster. We used trauma theory to analyze disaster behavior health, assess the needs of at-risk populations, and identify the resources that the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, offers to the nation to assist communities in the psychological recovery process. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-5).
