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Information available
for those who want to help
(November
2005 Issue)
Although the American Red Cross is the primary avenue through which
psychologists can help victims of Hurricane Katrina, several other
organizations have been instrumental in providing services, assistance
and information.
American Red Cross - www.redcross.org
This is one of the most comprehensive Web sites available, providing
an enormous amount of information for those interested in helping
victims of Hurricane Katrina.
According to Bette Lewicki, Ph.D., neuropsychologist at Crotched
Mountain Rehabilitation Center in N.H., each Red Cross chapter is
developing a directory of providers willing to provide services,
both pro bono and paid. She adds that the national office of the
Red Cross is recruiting licensed mental health professionals directly
through each state's psychological association home page. "Psychologists
will provide a wide range of services," she says. Duties range from
technical assistance to help in the mortuaries or counseling in
a shelter, depending on the needs and individual skills and expertise
of the volunteer.
Those who wish to make financial donations are advised to direct
their charitable contributions directly to the American Red Cross.
The agency will then disperse the funds to the appropriate channel.
Many other organizations have emerged and are soliciting funds.
However, donors should carefully investigate these groups before
making contributions.
American Psychological Association - www.apa.org
Through its Web site, the APA is providing assistance to psychologists
in the Gulf area as well as information for psychologists across
the country who want to be of service to their colleagues. Information
on the Disaster Response Network can be found at this site as well.
Each state psychological association can provide contact information
and application forms for psychologists interested in offering their
services in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. According to Karen
Postal, Ph.D., ABPP of Andover, Mass., several listservs feature
discussions on ways in which psychologists can help each other as
well as victims. Many state associations also provide a link to
the APA's Web site.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - www.nctsn.org
NCTSN, in collaboration with The National Center for PTSD, has compiled
a Psychological First Aid Field Operation Guide as well as several
handouts for providers. This packet offers an evidence-informed
approach for mental health professionals to use as they help families
and children cope with all aspects of life in the aftermath of a
disaster.
The National Center for PTSD - www.ncptsd.va.gov
This Web site serves as a valuable resource for psychologists as
they attempt to understand and learn more about the intricacies
of trauma after disaster. Clinicians will find extensive information
on empirically based interventions as well as links to other useful
Web sites.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration -
www.samhsa.gov
This government agency has developed the SAMHSA SOS (one-stop shop)
for Katrina and Rita resources. The site provides numerous hurricane-related
resources, including updates on relief efforts and an assistance
project as well as guides and publications for responders and the
general public.
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