Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Another recommendation relative to mental health issues directly impacts
states. he NCCD recommends that FEMA and the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration strengthen the Crisis Counseling
Assistance and Training Program (CCP) to better meet the mental health needs
of children and families. Among possible implications, the Immediate Services
Program grant application may be simplified to minimize the burden on com-
munities affected by a disaster and facilitate the rapid allocation of funding and
initiation of services. In addition, the recommendation includes provisions to
establish the position of Children's Disaster Mental Health Coordinator within
state-level CCPs.
The report also recommends that Congress establish a single, flexible grant
funding mechanism to specifically support delivery of mental health treatment ser-
vices that address the full spectrum of behavioral health needs of children includ-
ing treatment of disaster-related adjustment difficulties, psychiatric disorders, and
substance abuse.
These recommendations positively impact the focus on mental health as a
method to foster full recovery. One of the likely challenges in addressing mental
health issues, particularly after a large-scale event, is availability and credentialing
of mental health professionals.
Child Physical Health and Trauma
The NCCD report provides six distinct recommendations relative to child physical
health and trauma as summarized below:
◾
Congress, HHS, and FEMA should ensure availability of and access to pedi-
atric medical countermeasures at the federal, state, and local levels for chemi-
cal, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats.
◾
HHS and the Department of Defense should enhance pediatric capabilities
of disaster medical response teams through integration of pediatric-specific
training, guidance, exercises, supplies, and personnel.
◾
HHS should ensure that health professionals who may treat children during
a disaster have adequate pediatric disaster clinical training.
◾
The Executive Branch and Congress should provide resources for a formal
regionalized pediatric system of care to support pediatric surge capacity dur-
ing and after disasters.
◾
Prioritize the recovery of pediatric health and mental health care delivery
systems in disaster-affected areas.
◾
The Environmental Protection Agency should engage state and local health
officials and nongovernmental experts to develop and promote national guid-
ance and best practices on reoccupancy of homes, schools, child care, and
other child congregate care facilities in disaster-impacted areas.
