In large scale emergencies and disasters, the expected demand on the State mental health system will challenge even the most prepared agencies and resources. It is the responsibility of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases (DBHDD) and the Georgia Division of Public Health to ensure adequate volunteer personnel. To meet this responsibility, SERVGA has been established in order to provide an advance registry of healthcare volunteers. Disaster mental health professionals and para-professionals who are interested in serving as volunteers during emergencies and disasters should register in SERVGA now rather than waiting until an event occurs because volunteer registration during a disaster usually delays getting help to people in need .
Disaster mental health is a unique intervention that is often more practical than psychotherapeutic in nature (e.g. meeting basic needs and assisting with tasks, listening, encouraging and comforting). Therefore, it requires special training that will prepare you to respond to the special needs of people who have been affected by disasters and emergencies. If you would like to become part of Georgia’s disaster mental health response team, you will need to complete the following training prior to registering in SERVGA.
- Georgia Disaster Mental Health Field Response Training OR
- American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Training
and - Federal Emergency Management Agency National Incident Management System Independent Study Courses 100, 200, 700 and 800
Professionals and para-professionals who are interested in working with first responders and hospital personnel must have training in the following:
- Critical Incident Stress Management Peer Support and Group Debriefing AND
- Federal Emergency Management Agency National Incident Management System Independent Study Courses 100, 200, 700 and 800