DBHDS Agency Support Plan
DBHDS is prepared to support Virginia communities affected by disasters by working with state and local partners to coordinate the provision of disaster behavioral health services in the immediate aftermath of a disaster or critical incident. Disaster behavioral health services are provided in locations and settings that are dependent upon the scope and scale of the disaster.
The DBHDS Agency Support Plan outlines how DBHDS fulfills its obligation to the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan, as required by Code of Virginia §§ 2.2-222.1€ and (F).
The first response to a disaster always occurs locally. The capacity to respond to the psychological effects of disaster must also be organized and implemented at the local level first.
Local planners understand the cultural, social, and psychological needs of people in their area. State-level involvement builds upon the structure and organization of the local and regional response.
The state will augment, not replace, community structures already in place to deliver disaster behavioral health services.
Current (Immediate) Disaster Resources
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Please text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.
Virginia Behavioral Health Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Unit is a statewide team of disaster behavioral health volunteers that are current MRC volunteers with the Virginia Department of Health. The DBHDS Disaster Behavioral Health Coordinator is the point of contact for this Unit and provides training and oversight of volunteers who serve. If you are interested in becoming a part of this unit, please email stephanie.waite@dbhds.virginia.gov.
Resources for CSBs (or other partners)
Just in Time Training for disaster shelter operations
The Role of The Role of DBHDS in Virginia’s Commonwealth Emergency Operations Plan
Virginia Disaster Assistance Team
OEM – Emergency Shelter Operations: Health Services
Materials for public distribution following a disaster or critical incident. SAMHSA’s Disaster Technical Assistance offers a library of handouts and training material that communities may find helpful when supporting citizens following a disaster. Topics include a variety of populations and disasters and are provided in several languages.
