APA Response to Superstorm Sandy

APA’s Disaster Response Network (DRN). The DRN has been actively involved in preparing for and responding to Superstorm Sandy. The DRN program is composed of licensed psychologists with training in disaster response who offer volunteer assistance to workers and survivors in the aftermath of disaster, primarily through the association’s 20-year partnership with the American Red Cross. APA’s DRN has been providing guidance and consultation to the program’s New York and New Jersey DRN coordinators. These coordinators have been participating in local planning meetings and asking their local members to help at Red Cross shelters and mobile emergency aid stations. Coordinators have also been recruiting new local volunteers. A number of DRN leaders are also Red Cross instructors and part of the Red Cross’s national webinar training team, which instructs disaster mental health volunteers. The training describes what happens on Red Cross relief operations and identifies Red Cross-approved mental health interventions.

Educating the public about trauma response and recovery. An important role for APA and its members during any natural disaster is educating the public about the potential effects of traumatic events and how best to manage those effects. The DRN program has been emailing its members fact sheets, guides, articles and outcome research from previous natural disasters to help prepare members to offer emotional support to workers and survivors (See What Do Psychologists Do at Disaster Sites?.). APA also has a number of publications written for the public to help individuals understand their emotions during times of crisis and deal with disasters. Tip sheets for the public on managing storm-related distress and building resilience are posted to APA’s Psychology Help Center and Your Mind, Your Body blog. APA staff are also working with the news media to assist in accurate and expert reporting on the psychological effects of the disaster.