A novel post-disaster mental health training for black communities

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The disparities in disaster-related mental health problems highlight the highlighted the need for local pre-disaster planning in black communities living in high stress areas. Training in Post Disaster Mental Health inBlack Communities is a train the trainer, group-level intervention designed to improve the local disaster mental health readiness. HERMES' Phase I study developed a training package based on needs assessment. The results indicate that the training of bothclinical providers and community leaders is a promising model for integrating culturally appropriate mental health in local response strategies. Aims: Our Phase II field study will further refine the curriculum components and field test the acceptability,adaptability, effectiveness, and sustainability of our model in high stress black communities of coastal and rural eastern North Carolina and downtown Charleston and Low Country areas in South Carolina. Method: We will recruit and train a core team of mental health providers to deliver clinical provider- and community leader-tailored training workshops to 240 participants in eight target communities. Local collaborative planning teams will be supported by web-based exercise and group training components. Participants will complete evaluations follow each training component and pre, post and 3, 6, and 12 month follow- up tests on knowledge and self-rated competency skills. We will measure benchmarks of increased capacity and performance-based skills using qualitative interviews and site profiles. Expected Results: The triangulation of process and outcome data will determine the effectiveness of this model for increasing knowledge and skills in providing culturally competent mental health support for survivorsin the immediate aftermath of disasters. We also will identify best training and local planning practices for promoting and sustaining resilience and document case studies that illustrate the mitigation of disaster-related mental health consequences.PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: HERMES proposes to field test a training model and materials designed to build an integrated local capacity in black communities to respond to mental in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The training is will prepare clinical providers and community- based organization leaders who have the relational advantage of insiders to mitigate the risk of longer term mental health consequences that result from disasters. HERMES, will further develop the model according to feasible results and collaborate with partners in implementing a train the trainer model. Follow up sessions will cover clinical treatment and planning skills building with a web-based Community of Practice containing multi- media exercises and information resources tosupport site clinical and community planning teams. This blended learning product will fill a growing market demand among response agencies and has promise for spinoffs in complementary areas. The resulting product is marketable as social capital buildingstrategy that will increase the coordination and efficiency of mental services in low-resource disaster affected communities.