NCJ Number
215954
Editor(s)
Helga West
Date Published
2006
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Using Hurricanes Katrina and Rita as case examples, this report discusses the impact of experiencing a traumatic event on individuals and offers suggestions for minimizing the impact of trauma to survivors.
Abstract
Key recommendations for minimizing the negative impact of crisis events are: (1) develop a peer support model to be used in communities impacted by disaster; (2) develop disaster preparedness plans for high-risk populations such as crime victims, veterans, individuals with psychiatric diagnoses, hospitalized individuals, and prison and jail inmates; (3) improve communication between Federal, State, and local agencies, non-profit service providers, community organizations, faith-based communities, and first responders; and (4) improve service coordination and integration between the mental health and criminal justice systems. The report begins with a discussion of the impact of trauma on individuals, children, individuals with psychiatric diagnoses, communities, and families. The two key steps that should be taken to heal after a traumatic event are (1) regain normalcy, and (2) rely on peer support. In some types of disasters it is not possible to regain normalcy and benefit from peer support. The impact of Hurricane Katrina on individuals, the community of New Orleans, and the host communities who took in survivors in the aftermath of the storms is reviewed in an effort to demonstrate how proper planning can mitigate some of the trauma experienced by disaster survivors. Security and governance concerns are reviewed and communities are urged to create coordinated community response plans that address communication, resources, management, and long-term support. It is advised that the impact on children and families can be lessened by placing them in host communities with their friends and neighbors rather than with strangers. The special plight of high-risk populations, such as those with psychiatric diagnoses and prison inmates, following a disaster are highlighted and the impact to the criminal justice system is considered. Contact information for the After the Crisis Initiative is offered. References