M14.4 Think About It-Website Exploration

M14.4 Think About It-Website Exploration

(a)

I decided to look learn more about the psychosocial issues that would arise from a flu outbreak. In the article, Mental Health & Behavioral Guidelines for Response to a Pandemic Flu Outbreak, the limitations of public health services ability to cope with a flu disaster, and in particular, the mental health issues that would arise from such a disaster, are emphasized. For instance, in terms of mental health issues arising as a result of disease outbreaks, there is almost no data (Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress CSTS, 2017, p. 1). Primarily, this is because there have been fewer pandemic health threats than in previous centuries (CSTC, 2017, p. 1). However, it is clear that mental health issues rise in response to disease outbreaks, as it did with the SARS. During the SARS outbreak, data revealed that 40% of those affected experienced increased stress levels and 16% experienced traumatic stress levels, both at home and within the family (CSTS, 2017., p. 1). Moreover, this stress, which can subsequently lead to mental health issues, also affected health care workers, with 11% of nurses who worked in SARS prevention experiencing traumatic stress levels (CSTS, 2017, p. 1). 

Overall, the article reveals that within public health, there is a gap in services when it comes to mitigating the mental health impacts of a disease. I believe that mental health is a public health issue which has historically been neglected. Moreover, the United States itself is far behind many other countries in providing effective mental health services. More research should be conducted in this area, and more efforts should be made to ensure that mental health services are a part of disease outbreak mitigation.

(b)

Within my county, The Snohomish County Emergency Response Volunteers (SERV), acts as the primary volunteer organization for disaster preparedness. Anyone is eligible to join SERV, and to function in several capacities. There are quarterly training sessions that each volunteer must attend. Overall, this agency will act to any disaster that impacts Snohomish County.  

References

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, (2017). Mental Health & Behavioral Guidelines for Response to a Pandemic Flu Outbreak: Background on the Mental Health Impact of Natural Disasters, including Epidemics. Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/CSTS_mental_health_behavioral_guidelines_response_to_pandemic_flu_outbreak_dcoe.pdf

Snohomish County. (n.d.). Snohomish County Emergency Response Volunteers. Snohomish County. Retrieved from https://snohomishcountywa.gov/2754/Snohomish-County-Emergency-Response-Volu