NORTH CAROLINA PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATION
DISASTER RESPONSE INFORMATION

The Disaster Response Network (DRN) was formed in 1995 through the North Carolina Psychological Foundation (NCPF) as an organized way to involve psychologists, as well as psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, certified psychiatric nurses and licensed marriage and family therapists, in disaster response throughout North Carolina. An agreement was developed with the American Red Cross in order for the DRN to be a mental health partner responding to disasters. We hope you will find the information posted here helpful. Please continue to check this site, as we will be posting additional information about the DRN, requests related to disasters, and other ways to get involved.

NC Disaster Response Network - Disaster Mental Health Course
The NC Disaster Response Network (DRN) Training course, developed by the DRN along with the NC Center for Public Health, is a way for licensed mental health professionals to receive training in preparation for disaster mental health work. Part I of the course is online and is made up of eight thirty minute modules covering topics from phases of disaster and mental health intervention to ethical issues and volunteer activation. After completing the online portion of the training, participants will be invited to attend Part II, a 2 hour in-person workshop featuring disaster simulations and hands-on activities. To register or find out more about this training go to: http://nccphp.sph.unc.edu/NCDRNtraining/

Resources

In light of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech University, here are some resources that you may find helpful:

American Psychological Association Help Center has Tips for College and University Students: Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of the Virginia Tech Shootings.

APA regular web page has links on the home page to specific tips and information regarding trauma and children

The National Center for PTSD's website as a resource - http://www.ncptsd.va.gov

In addition, we received the following suggestion:

“For any colleagues in search of a good source book, I find one of the best to be: RAMPAGE: THE SOCIAL ROOTS OF SCHOOL SHOOTINGS, by K. S. Newman et al (Basic Books, paperback 2005)”

Tips on Helping You and Your Family
Helpful Disaster Websites
Additional Resources on Coping with Traumatic Events
Application for Professional Membership in the NCPF Disaster Response Network