DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY RESOURCES
Disasters can take on many forms, from weather-related to terrorist or accidental disasters. They can have disastrous effects where they strike.
The American Health Information Management Association has created a Disaster Planning and Recovery Toolkit that includes a variety of preparedness business guidance, checklists, and references to help you create a disaster plan that will ensure health information is available and managed securely in the event of a disaster.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a page with Disaster Behavioral Health Information on hurricane preparedness,
response, and recovery, as well as behavioral health issues related to hurricanes.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has HURRICANE RESOURCES to support children, families and communities recover from a hurricane available on their website.
There are more resources below that are focused on different disaster types.
Hurricanes and other Natural Disasters
Actions to take after a disaster: The American Academy of Family Physicians has developed a checklist of issues to review if your practice has been impacted by a disaster. Download the checklist HERE.
If Disaster Strikes your Office Practice : The Doctors Company has a LIST OF TASKS to consider if your practice has been impacted by a disaster.
Disaster Business Damage Assessment Survey: Businesses that are damaged after a state-designated emergency can fill out the Damage Assessment Survey to provide information about the damage and connect with available resources. The information provided in this survey will be shared among various state and local agencies to expedite implementation of appropriate disaster relief programs for businesses. Access the survey HERE.
Rebuild Florida: Rebuild Florida was created by FloridaCommerce to help Florida’s long-term recovery efforts from recent hurricanes. FloridaCommerce oversees Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for hurricanes Hermine, Matthew, Irma, and Michael as well as CDBG-Mitigation funding. The state of Florida is committed to helping homeowners, small businesses and communities recover from recent storms and become more resilient to future disasters.
FEMA Disaster Assistance: For immediate disaster assistance, FEMA provides a range of services, including financial aid for property damage, loss of essential equipment, and infrastructure rebuilding. Visit FEMA's Disaster Recovery Site for more information or to apply for assistance.
FMA Webinar: Navigating the Insurance Process and Pitfalls in the Aftermath of a Hurricane
The FMA and the Emerald Coast Medical Association (ECMA) hosted a webinar covering best practices for navigating the post-hurricane recovery process. This webinar provides guidance on topics including:
- Flood vs. wind losses
- The role of public adjusters
- Documenting claims for proper payment
- Getting your claim to the top of the pile
View the Webinar HERE
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program: The purpose of the Emergency Bridge Loan Program is to provide a source of expedient cash flow to Florida small businesses impacted by a disaster. These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund: The Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund, a resiliency loan fund provided through a partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, is assisting businesses that experienced physical damage or economic injury from Hurricane Irma. It provides longer-term loans with higher funding levels at market interest rates. Up to $500,000 in financing can be provided to an eligible business for the following purposes: inventory purchases, construction or renovation, working capital needs, capital start-up loans, machinery and equipment purchases, equipment financing, and more.
SBA Disaster Loan Program: The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans to cover damage to property and equipment, as well as lost revenue. Learn more and apply online through the SBA’s Disaster Assistance.
In the wake of Helene and Milton, it is worth remembering that psychiatrists provide valuable medical experience and expertise for preparing and responding to natural disasters. If you want to learn more, find opportunities for training in psychological first aid, and/or contribute to the APA Foundation's Disaster Relief Fund, check out APA’s resource on Disaster Mental Health.
Volunteer Florida: Volunteer Florida is the state’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during and after disasters. In partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Volunteer Florida coordinates with Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and local and state government emergency management agencies to meet volunteer and donation needs and mobilizes and deploys resources to assist communities responding to and recovering from disaster.
The American Red Cross: is looking for Mental Health Volunteers. You can use your professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands-on care and education to disaster-affected clients. The work setting is generally in emergency shelters or on outreach teams in the community. For more information please see the Red Cross Website.
Volunteer or partner with the Medical Reserve Corps.
School Shootings
DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY RESOURCE
In response to the tragic shootings at the Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress has created a resource page with information and educational fact sheets. These resources provide disaster mental health information to assist families, responders, community leaders, and healthcare providers in response and recovery efforts. The resource page can found HERE.
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Advancing Psychological Health and Resilience through Trauma Research, Education, and Consultation
Other Resources
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- SAMHSA
- FEMA
Pandemics
Our COVID-19 resources can be found here. We have information about telepsychiatry, state mandates, insurance, risk management, financial support, and more to help you maintain your practice during this difficult time.
