Developing a Comprehensive Trauma- and Resiliency- Focused Program After Superstorm Sandy in New York City

Area of Science:

• Disaster medicine
• Public health
• Community mental health

Background:

• Superstorm Sandy devastated New York City, highlighting the need for mental health support in vulnerable communities.
• Existing programming often fails to address the intermediate behavioral and mental health needs of disaster-affected populations.
• The Children's Health Fund (CHF) developed a program to build resilience and coping skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the CHF Sandy Recovery and Resiliency Program as a case study.
• To describe a multifaceted, community-based approach to enhancing mental health.
• To evaluate the program's effectiveness in building resiliency and socioemotional skills.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from routine care.
• Implementation of a three-component program: community workshops, school-based interventions, and mobile mental health care.
• Data collection focused on resilience, coping, and access to care.

Main Results:

• The program successfully decreased stigma and built community resilience through workshops and events.
• School-based workshops increased student and educator coping skills, facilitating referrals to mental health care.
• A mobile mental health clinic effectively reduced access barriers and demonstrated organizational commitment.

Conclusions:

• Children and families impacted by disaster trauma require comprehensive, broad-based mental health support.
• Mobile mental health services are crucial for overcoming access barriers in underserved communities.
• Community-based, multifaceted programs are essential for fostering post-disaster resilience and mental well-being.