It's a New Day in Public Health.
The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Disaster Behavioral Health
Bureau of Preparedness and Response
- 850-245-4444
-
Mailing Address
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A23
Disaster Behavioral Health responders work with communities and other responders to assist with the mitigation of emotional, psychological, and physical effects of a disaster, natural or man-made. Disaster behavioral health responders apply the concepts of psychological first aid to help those affected overcome the initial impact of shock, denial, and depression when confronting disasters.
Training Resources
Psychological First Aid Training - An online interactive course from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. The course is described as being for "individuals new to disaster response who want to learn the core goals of psychological first aid, as well as for seasoned practitioners who want a review.
Other Resources
SAMHSA Disaster Preparedness and Recovery
- SAMHSA Distress Helpline - The Disaster Distress Helpline is a national hotline dedicated to providing year-round immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- SAMHSA Publications and Resources – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collection of resources includes publications and related resources for responders, program planners, educators, employers and other professionals as well as for the general public.
- First Responders and Disaster Responders Resource Portal
- SAMHSA Behavioral Health Disaster Response Mobile App - Free Mobile app offers first responders immediate access to field resources for aiding disaster survivors. Has the ability to search for and map behavioral health service providers in the impacted area, review emergency preparedness materials, and send resources to colleagues.
American Academy of Pediatrics Children and Disasters
American Psychological Association
Florida Department of Children and Families-Trauma
Florida Department of Children and Families-Disaster Behavioral Health
National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Disaster Mental Health Treatment
National Child Traumatic Stress Network - Natural Disasters
*Note: This page contains materials in the Portable Document Format (PDF). The free Adobe Reader may be required to view these files.
Connect with DOH