
Psychiatric News November 16, 2001
Volume 36 Number 22
© 2001 American Psychiatric Association
p. 25
Terrorism Coverage
Raquel E. Cohen, M.D., M.P.H.
Surfside, Fla.
I read with interest about APAs organized and comprehensive response on both the national and local levels to the tragic events of September 11. It was rewarding to see the results of many years of work that started with small committees eventually resulting in APAs Committee on Psychiatric Dimensions of Disasters.
Among the committees accomplishments were the development of a collaborative relationship with the American Red Cross to facilitate psychiatric responses to disasters and the presentation of disaster-response training programs at APAs annual meetings.
The committee has assisted APAs district branches by distributing training materials and developed a grant program that recognizes outstanding response programs to local disasters. The committee also worked with APA to develop a "disaster component" on its Web site.
I have continued with this work and have found that consulting via computer with disaster workers in other countries is effective in assisting traumatized populations. Internet communication makes it possible to remain in contact after completing on-site consultations.
Footnotes
Dr. Cohen is a former chair of the Committee on Psychiatric Dimensions of Disasters.
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