Disaster Preparedness Seminars for Healthcare Professionals to be Held at Academy Next Week

NEW YORK CITY-July 19, 2007- A Train-the-Trainer educational seminar will be held at The New York Academy of Medicine July 24-26 to prepare healthcare providers and first responders for teaching peers about the psychosocial sequelae of terrorist acts and disasters, which can be as devastating and costly to individuals and society as the physical impact and loss of life and property. Those responsible for the nation's preparedness are quickly realizing that psychosocial aspects of terrorism and disaster medicine must not be overlooked and require thoughtful preparation of healthcare professionals.

This interactive three-day event will focus on the most important and common disorders found during and after disasters such as acute stress disorder and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Healthcare providers and first responders will have the opportunity to experience hands-on training with actors trained to portray patient cases, disaster simulations, and group discussions with trained facilitators.

On July 25, there will be a separate but related workshop that will tackle the diagnosing and managing of the psychosocial aspects of disasters and terrorism, and will emphasize the most common psychosocial stress responses. This seminar will begin with a disaster simulation that will provide participants with experience and insight into the probability of attack and the vulnerabilities of communities’ experience. This will be followed by a presentation that will review the epidemiology and evidence concerning prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of stress disorders in adults and children. Lunch will provide the opportunity to discuss how healthcare teams can manage their own stress. The workshop will conclude with an interactive group exercise to enhance each participant’s skills in communicating risk to the public and the media, an inevitable occurrence in large disasters.

Founded in 1847, The New York Academy of Medicine is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit institution whose mission is to enhance the health of the public. Our research, education, community engagement, and evidence-based advocacy seek to improve the health of people living in cities, especially disadvantaged and vulnerable populations. The impact of these initiatives reaches into neighborhoods in New York City, across the country, and around the world. We work with community based organizations, academic institutions, corporations, the media, and government to catalyze and contribute to changes that promote health. Visit us online at www.nyam.org.

- By Sarah Rathsam

Posted on July 20, 2007

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Contact:
Andrew J. Martin
Director of Communications
The New York Academy of Medicine
1216 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10029
212-822-7285
amartin@nyam.org

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