Mental Health All-Hazards Disaster Planning Guidance

Foreword

Prior to the publication of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning (FEMA, 1996), State and local emergency management leaders did not have sufficient, nationally accepted guidance to help them respond to natural and man-made disasters. FEMA's publication, also known as State and Local Guide (SLG) 101, provided a geographically diverse group of planners and decision makers with a comprehensive "toolbox" of best practices, suggested collaborations, ideas, and advice on how to adequately prepare for worst-case scenarios of all kinds.

While the SLG serves as an effective resource for emergency management leaders, it does not focus on guidance for State mental health leadership. This document, the Mental Health All-Hazards Disaster Planning Guidance, is intended to serve as a companion piece to the SLG by providing direction and support tailored specifically for State and local mental health leaders as they create and/or revise all-hazards response plans. In particular, the document provides counsel to States on considerations for the planning process, and for actual plan content.

The tragic loss of life that occurred on September 11, 2001 was one outcome of the day's horrendous events. While most Americans were resilient in the face of this tragedy, some experienced depression, grief, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Thus, the events of that day were both a challenge and a call to action for all those responsible for the organization and provision of mental health services. The feelings of loss of our security and well-being—arguably the most crucial abstract ingredients for leading a happy, healthy life—dramatically affected the citizens of this country. Looking to the future, we believe this document can be used to lessen the blow—especially the behavioral health consequences delivered by subsequent disasters.

The Mental Health All-Hazards Disaster Planning Guidance was created through collaboration between the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. It uses a concise, yet comprehensive format to offer policy makers practical, experience-driven advice on a complex and important topic. We invite State and local planners to use this document to help alleviate the pain and suffering that all too often accompanies large-scale tragedies of every type.

Charles G. Curie, M.A., A.C.S.W.
Administrator
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Robert W. Glover, Ph.D.
Executive Director
National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors

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