Life After: Behavioral Health Resources for Hurricane Survivors in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

In September 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria created devastating effects for residents of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, both physically and emotionally. For individuals experiencing mental and substance use disorders, a natural disaster can worsen the effects or bring about new behavioral health issues due to stress and environmental changes.

SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services’ Long-Term Recovery Workgroup, together with the Health Resources and Services Administration, offers two webinars that provide guidance on supporting older adults with complex medical and behavioral health needs before, during, and after a hurricane. Hosted in English and Spanish, the panel discussions include information for family members, first responders, and behavioral health staff to optimize the health and wellness of older adults with complex health needs in disaster situations. The webinars specifically focus on persons living in and near Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands but can be generalized to any major coastal storm.