Infectious Disease Resources: Learn From Past Outbreaks To Be Prepared

Infectious Disease Resources: Learn From Past Outbreaks To Be Prepared





Infectious Disease Resources: Learn From Past Outbreaks To Be Prepared

Infectious disease outbreaks, like Ebola cases in 2014 and 2015, can cause anxiety among the general public as well as health care providers. Now that the Ebola outbreak is over, we can plan for how to cope with these anxieties and other behavioral health effects of infectious disease cases.

Over the past year, SAMHSA's Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) created resources about planning for and coping with infectious disease outbreaks. Disaster behavioral health coordinators and behavioral health professionals can use this toolkit of resources to plan and prepare for a similar outbreak in the future. The materials also include tip sheets to support community members who may be anxious about an infectious disease outbreak.

Behavioral Health Response to Ebola Webcast In 2014, four health care providers in Dallas, Texas, responded to the high-stress situation of supporting a quarantined individual who was homeless during the Ebola outbreak. In this webcast, they share their lessons learned and emphasize the importance of coordinating and integrating behavioral health into disaster preparedness and response plans.

The Dialogue: "Planning for a Disaster Mental Health Response to Ebola in New York State" This newsletter article focuses on New York State's experience with responding to the mental health needs of those quarantined for Ebola. It describes the unique challenges of addressing behavioral health issues during this event and the importance of providing training and materials specific to Ebola to responders so they are prepared to provide support during this stressful event.

Immediate Disaster Response—Ebola Outbreak in 2014 This installment of SAMHSA's Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series focuses on the 2014 outbreak of the Ebola virus. Behavioral health professionals can use these resources to help plan and prepare for future infectious disease outbreaks. It also contains links to organizations, agencies, and other resources that address Ebola planning, preparedness, and response.

Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health During an Infectious Disease Outbreak This tip sheet explains social distancing, quarantine, and isolation in the event of an infectious disease outbreak, such as Ebola. It discusses feelings and thoughts that may arise during this time and suggests ways to cope and support yourself and loved ones during such an experience.

Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Children During Infectious Disease Outbreaks This tip sheet equips parents, caregivers, and teachers with tips for helping children manage their stress during an infectious disease outbreak. It explains reactions children—preschool age to adolescence—may have and the support adults can provide to help them.

Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks This tip sheet offers practical ways people can cope with stress during an outbreak of an infectious disease. It explains common signs of stress and how to recognize when to get help.