Abstract
This paper presents the theory, rationale, and a working model for integrating professional resources at the time of a disaster. Red Cross and community mental health agencies have worked for too long in parallel. A collaborative approach to meeting the emotional needs of disaster victims makes optimal use of indigenous resources; provides skill and knowledge normally lacking in each agency alone; and helps provide, through early intervention, a preventive factor to thwart long term community distress. Options for maintenance of readiness, local or regional adaptation and piloting are also discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aguilera, D.C., & Messick, J.M.Crisis intervention: Theory and methodology. St. Louis: Mosbey, 1974.
Berren, M.R., Beigel, Allen, & Ghertner, S. A typology for the classification of disasters.Community Mental Health Journal, 16(2), 1980
Cohen, R.E., & Ahern, F.L.Handbook For Mental Health Care of Disaster Victims. Baltimore, Md: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1980.
Coleman, J.C.Abnormal psychology and modern life. Glenview, Illinois: Scott, Foresman, 1976.
Consolidated Standards Manual-for Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric, Alcoholism, and Drug Abuse Facilities. By the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, 1981 edition.
Brown, G.A.Crisis intervention. New York: Association Press, 1977.
Erikson, Kai T.Everything in its path: Destruction of community in the Buffalo Creek flood. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1976.
Ewing, C.P.,Crises intervention as psychotherapy. New York: Oxford University Press, 1978.
Farbero, N.L., & Frederick, C.J. (Project Directors)Training Manual For Human Service Workers In Major Disasters. DHEW Publication No. (ADM) 77-538, Printed, 1978.
Frederick, C.J. Psychological first aid: Emergency mental health and disaster assistance.The Psychotherapy Bulletin, 1977, 10(1), 15–3
Hansell, N.,The person in distress. New York: Human Science Press, 1976.
Hoff, L.A.,People in crisis. Menlo Park: Addison-Wesley, 1978.
Kirn, S.P.Community mental health centers and disaster: Considerations regarding response during the post-in pact period. Paper presented at the meeting of the Southeast Psychological Association, Atlanta, March 1975.
Lindeman, E. Symptomatology and management of acute grief. In H. Parad (Ed.)Crisis intervention: Selected readings: New York Family Service Assn., 1966.
MCGee, R.K.Crises intervention in the community. Baltimore: University Park Press, 1974.
Parad, H.J., Resnick, H.L.P., & Parad, L.G. (Eds.).Emergency and disaster management: A mental health sourcebook. Bowie, Maryland: Charles Press Publishers, 1976.
Schulburg, H.C. Disaster, crisis theory, and intervention strategies.Omega, 1974, 5, 77–87.
Taylor, V., Ross, G.A., & Quarantellin, E.L.Delivery of mental health services in disasters: The Xenia tornado and some implications. (Monograph No. 11, The Disaster Research Center.) Columbus: Ohio State University, 1976.
Tierney, T.J., & Baisden B.Crisis intervention programs for disaster victims: A sourcebook and manual for smaller communities Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1979.
Tuckman, A. Disaster and mental health intervention.Community Mental Health Journal, 1973,9, 151–157.
Tyhust, J.S. Individual reactions to a community disaster: The natural history of a psychiatric projective phenomena.American Journal of Psychiatry, 1951,107, 764–769.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fraser, J.R.P., Spicka, D.A. Handling the emotional response to disaster: The case for american red cross/community mental health collaboration. Community Ment Health J 17, 255–264 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00779382
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00779382