The National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems (NAPHS) has drawn together resources from a variety of sources to help members and the public cope in times of uncertainty and stress, including the 2016 shootings in Orlando, FL; 2015 shootings at the Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, SC; 2014 Isla Vista, CA, slayings; 2013 Navy Yard shooting and Boston Marathon bombing, school tragedies (such as the 2014 school shooting in Marysville, WA, 2012 shootings in Connecticut and Ohio, and the 2007 tragedy at Virginia Tech); natural disasters (such as the 2013 and earlier tornadoes and hurricanes throughout the U.S., 2011 tsunami and earthquakes in Japan, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 2008 floodings in the Midwest, or Hurricanes Sandy, Katrina, and Rita); the aftermath of September 11, 2001; ongoing terrorism threats; and military actions.

A valuable resource is the Disaster Distress Helpline (sponsored by SAMHSA) at 1-800-985-5990.
 

Coping with Traumatic Events

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers essential mental health information for those seeking help after a traumatic experience. See www.samhsa.gov/trauma.  Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline (sponsored by SAMHSA) at

1-800-985-5990.

Helping First Responders

Helping Mental Health Responders in the Wake of Disaster is a SAMHSA mental health awareness toolkit that provides first responders—whether they are disaster response workers, parents, caregivers, or teachers—with specific tips for responding effectively to people in the wake of a disaster.

Ebola Virus Disease 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assembled (and continuously updates) resources for healthcare providers and the public on preventing the spread of the Ebola virus. See http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/.  Also see fact sheets from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks and Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks.

H1N1 Virus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is posting updates on the H1N1 virus, with specific materials aimed at helping hospitals and other providers -- as well as the general public. See www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance for links to various resources.

Natural Disasters

The Disaster Distress Helpline (sponsored by SAMHSA) at 1-800-985-5990

• Tornadoes:   * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Tsunamis: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• "Disasters and Emergencies: Emergency Preparedness" -- A Department of Health and Human Services Web site providing links to federal and state health and emergency resources