DTAC Bulletin: Rural Disaster Behavioral Health Tools and Resources

DTAC Bulletin: Rural Disaster Behavioral Health Tools and Resources

Rural Disaster Behavioral Health Tools and Resources Rural communities face unique challenges in disasters. Rural individuals and families live farther apart and may not have access to public transportation, so they may have a harder time accessing post-disaster assistance, including mental health and substance use services. These disparities exist even in non-disaster times. According to a recent analysis, about twice as many non-metropolitan as metropolitan counties lacked a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner. The following resources provide guidance on rural emergency planning and preparedness, highlight strengths and challenges of rural areas, and relate stories from the field. Rural and Frontier Healthcare Coalitions: A Preparedness and Response Snapshot In this fact sheet, the National Association of County and City Health Officials reports on interviews about healthcare coalitions (HCCs) in rural and frontier areas. Established as part of the Hospital Preparedness Program, HCCs build the capacity of healthcare facilities to respond to disasters and other emergencies. They often include disaster behavioral health partner organizations. The fact sheet describes traits and strengths of rural HCCs and suggests ways for HCCs, funders, and policymakers to maximize their support of rural health. Rural Emergency Preparedness and Response Many rural areas have a shortage of services for physical and mental health, and this shortage only intensifies after a disaster. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Rural Health Information (RHI) Hub answers a variety of frequently asked questions on topics including how communities can address mental health needs after a disaster, challenges involving rural emergency management, how to prepare for a disaster, and where to find help. Planning and Partnerships: Coordinating Rural Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Response In this article in RHI Hub’s Rural Monitor newsletter, the author describes how rural communities can develop and draw on partnerships in planning, preparedness, and response to disasters and other emergencies. She provides several real-world examples of rural disaster planning and response. She also discusses policy changes that affect emergency preparedness in rural areas. Farm Emergency Preparedness Plan Provided by Iowa State University, this web page provides information, links, and checklists to help guide farm families through preparing for a disaster. Checklist items include learning what disasters or hazards are most likely to affect the community, keeping a list of emergency phone numbers, identifying areas to which to relocate livestock, and gathering supplies needed to protect a farm.

Subscribe to The Dialogue The Dialogue is a quarterly e-newsletter that provides practical and down-to-earth information for disaster behavioral health coordinators, local service providers, federal agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. You can subscribe to the newsletter or contact the SAMHSA DTAC by email at dtac@samhsa.hhs.gov to contribute an article to an upcoming issue. Questions About the SAMHSA DTAC Bulletin? The SAMHSA DTAC Bulletin is a monthly newsletter used to share updates in the field, post upcoming activities, and highlight new resources. For more information, please contact: Captain Erik Hierholzer 240-276-0408 erik.hierholzer@samhsa.hhs.gov Nikki D. Bellamy, Ph.D. 240-276-2418 nikki.bellamy@samhsa.hhs.gov The views, opinions, and content expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).