Disaster Assistance Center Offers Resources for Service Providers

Natural and manmade disasters affect every member of a community—including those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. State governments and local service providers seeking to prepare for and respond to the need for trauma-related mental health and substance abuse services after a disaster can find support and guidance at the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (SAMHSA DTAC).

SAMHSA DTAC offers a toll-free number through which states, territories, and local service providers can access resources and information and request technical assistance. SAMHSA DTAC's Web site provides a wealth of information about disaster-related and trauma-related services, including Dialogue, SAMHSA DTAC's quarterly publication for state mental health commissioners, substance abuse commissioners, and disaster mental health coordinators. The Web site also includes emergency plans from several states; Federal resources for disaster, trauma, and mental health as well as publication information; and, an events calendar.

SAMHSA DTAC staff members provide on-site technical assistance to numerous states. Currently, they are hosting a series of regional all-hazards trainings to support disaster preparedness for mental health and substance abuse service systems.

For further information about SAMHSA DTAC, visit www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/dtac or call 1 (800) 308-3515.

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