Disaster Behavioral Health Project

The goal of the Disaster Behavioral Health Project is to develop human infrastructure in Nebraska to effectively mitigate or respond to the psycho-social consequences of terrorism and disaster.

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center is working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to create an All-Hazards Disaster Behavioral Health Response and Recovery Plan for the state of Nebraska. This includes fostering links between mental health and substance abuse resources with public health systems, healthcare networks, emergency management, and first responder groups.

Stakeholders from across the State and across disciplines are involved in this project. Community groups, faith groups, public and private entities, and key responders like the American Red Cross, Nebraska's Critical Incident Stress Management Team, and Nebraska State Agencies are all collaborating with the Public Policy Center in this endeavor.

Key Partners
The Public Policy Center collaborates with many partners in this project including the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nebraska’s Public Health Districts, Regional Behavioral Health Authorities, Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster and other public and private entities.

Funding
This project has been funded by grants made to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Centers for Disease Control, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health & Human Services Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additional funding for research on disaster volunteer experiences and support for local response agencies was provided by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department's through the Lincoln Metropolitan Medical Response System (LMMRS).

For more information: http://www.disastermh.nebraska.edu.