The are hundreds of disasters annually in the United States and an increasing number are large enough in scale or scope to be declared federally. Internationally, we have seen an increase in natural disasters, terrorism and armed conflict. The Secretary General of the United Nations, John Holmes reported in 2008 that disasters have doubled in the past two decades. 90% of disaster are climate related although human conflicts continue globally.
The psychological effects of a traumatic event like a natural disaster, a school shooting, a terrorist attack, cluster suicides and other mass violence are second only to physical injuries and death. Communities need to come together to understand their distress responses and how to move through the trauma, loss and grief towards recovery.
Disaster mental health support services can assist in this process. State disaster response agencies, local governments, communities, businesses and schools can work together to address and even decrease the psychological suffering of those at risk.
Brief Bio: April Naturale is a licensed, clinical social worker with a doctorate from New York University where she studied the effects of secondary traumatic stress in the social workers who responded to the 9/11 disaster.
Dr. Naturale is the former Statewide Director for Project Liberty, the Crisis Counseling Program launched by the New York State Office of Mental Health in response to the World Trade Center attacks of 9/11/01. Since that time, Dr. Naturale has provided consultation and training on disaster preparedness and response throughout the U.S. and internationally. She maintains a clinical practice in Orleans, MA.
Dr. Naturale has served as a health and mental health administrator in hospital settings, served the Director of Network Development for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and as the Director of the BP Oil Spill Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990.
