Cyclone Nargis and the Crisis in Myanmar (Burma)

The New Jersey Division of Mental Health Services (DMHS) within the New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS) is home to a specialized mental health Disaster and Terrorism Branch located within the Office of Policy, Planning, Evaluation and Technology. The DMHS Director of the Disaster and Terrorism Branch is responsible for activating the state’s mental health disaster response plan in coordination with the NJDHS Emergency Social Services Coordinator and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, during a declared disaster. Each New Jersey County also maintains a county-specific all hazards mental health disaster plan. During times of disaster, the county's plan can also be activated by the County Mental Health Administrator in coordination with the County Office of Emergency Management and in collaboration with the state partners.

Services Available

The Division of Mental Health Services has over 120 contracted community mental health provider agencies. Over the past several years and especially since September 11, training for these mental health providers as well as private practitioners, has been consistently provided through federal grant programs. In fiscal year 2007 more than 3,500 people received training through DMHS sponsored training programs. The Disaster and Terrorism Branch is home to a multi-disciplinary Training and Technical Assistance Group (TTAG) which has the capacity to provide on-demand training for mental health professionals in the wake of disaster to further increase the state’s capacity to address the psychosocial needs of the community. The services available through the Disaster and Terrorism Branch include:

• Individual crisis counseling
• Psychological first aid
• Disaster-specific psycho-educational information
• Group crisis counseling
• Consultation and training
• Information and referral services
• Toll-free warm line services

The Disaster and Terrorism Branch maintains this website to share relevant information with the public and with mental health professionals, and publishes the e-newsletter, "New Jersey Crisis Counselor". The Branch works in close collaboration with public health, law enforcement, emergency management, and other professionals at the local, state and federal levels to coordinate mitigation, planning, response and recovery efforts. The Branch also actively promotes the participation of mental health professionals in drills, exercises, and ongoing professional development activities. For a more comprehensive overview of New Jersey’s disaster mental health system, please click here to view a narrated presentation.

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Disaster Mental Health Helpline

Emotional support for people affected by disasters or other overwhelming events is available by calling New Jersey MentalHealthCares' Disaster Mental Health Helpline  toll free  at (877) 294-HELP (4357), where experienced crisis counselors can be reached.  A TTY line is also available at (877) 294-4356.

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Managing the Emotional Consequences of Storms and Flooding

 

In response to repeated New Jersey storms that result in flooding throughout the state, a Powerpoint video was developed to help educate those affected about how to cope emotionally with these events.  Click here to view the video on "Managing the Emotional Consequences of Storms and Flooding"


Click here to download a brochure on Storms and Flooding

The latest issue of New Jersey Crisis Counselor is now available. This issue features:

The New Jersey Department of Human Services-Division of Mental Health Services-Disaster and Terrorism Branch, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, has developed an online resource to raise awareness of the pandemic threat and to share useful advice for coping with a potential pandemic. Click on the image below to view the online presentation, "Coping with the Emotional Challenges of Influenza Pandemic: An Online Guide for Individuals and Families."

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"Managing the Emotional Consequences of Public Health Emergencies"

The emotional impact of public health emergencies can have a powerful effect on the mental health of individuals of all ages. People naturally become alarmed when they believe that their health may be threatened. During times of heightened concerns regarding public health risks, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), avian influenza and other illnesses, it is important to take care of yourself and to monitor your own emotional reaction. Tending to your own mental health and emotional needs will make you a better, more reliable resource for friends and family members in their times of need.

Managing Our Emotions in Times of Uncertainty

It is normal to feel anxious and worried about a spreading disease, especially if scientists have not identified a cause or a cure. Anxiety is related to a fear of the unknown and all of us are subject to this type if reaction at different times.

Managing our emotions during times of uncertainty and risk can be challenging, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The following information can help you explore strategies for coping and direct you to valuable resources addressing both the medical and mental health implications of these risks.

Strategies for Coping

In the face of uncertainty about health risks, it is important to keep the extent of the danger in perspective. The vast majority of us are not in danger and should go about our daily routines without significant fears of contracting SARS, Avian Influenza or other contagious diseases. This is the advice of medical experts.

As a way of managing fears related to public health risks, you should keep yourself informed but not preoccupied with media reports and credible information. You may wish to visit the Federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention website for fact sheets or call your family physician, but in general, keeping yourself informed with timely, accurate information can alleviate some of the fear of the unknown.

Be aware that watching too much television about health risks can be upsetting, for you and for others around you, including young children.

Sources of Credible Information

There are many sources of credible information about public health emergencies, including your State and Local Health Departments and the CDC. You may wish to visit the following website:

http://www.cdc.gov

http://www.state.nj.us/health

Personal and Family Preparedness

Disaster mental health research suggests that one of the best ways of dealing with the emotional distress caused by disasters and emergencies is by taking pro-active, pre-event measures to ready yourself, your family, and your workplace. The TopOff 3 exercise provides an excellent opportunities for New Jerseyeans to become more aware of the challenges created by natural, technological, and man-made disasters, such as terrorism. It also creates an opportunity to take steps to prepare for such events.

The Disaster & Terrorism Branch has created an educational online slide show addressing the important steps to personal and family preparedness. By clicking on the link below, you can view that program and follow the simple steps outlined to improve your readiness for emergencies and reduce some to the stress brought on by crisis situations.

Click on the image above to learn more about personal and family preparedness

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