Disaster Preparedness and Response

As the designated mental health and substance abuse treatment authority in Oklahoma, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is responsible for providing crisis counseling and other related services in the wake of disasters declared by our Governor and the U.S. President.  ODMHSAS works closely with other volunteer,  state and federal agencies and organizations in the provision of these services in order to fulfill the Department’s Mission Statement of “…providing the highest quality of care to enhance the well-being of all Oklahomans".

ODMHSAS provides periodic training for community providers in the areas of: Psychological First Aid; Practical Front Line Assistance and Support for Healing (PFLASH^©); Crisis Counseling Program Startup training; and others designed to improve the response capacity of our agency. 

In addition to planning, response and training, ODMHSAS is committed to providing up-to-date information to assist our citizens in being prepared for the eventuality of disaster and trauma in their communities.  Below is a list of preparedness resources and volunteer opportunities for professionals and non-professionals alike.

Want to be prepared for emergencies but don’t know where to start? 
For information regarding personal, family and business preparedness go to:  
www.ready.gov

For the latest information regarding seasonal and pandemic influenza:  
www.cdc.gov

For information regarding presidentially declared disasters and how to apply for federal assistance:  
www.fema.gov

Please see these SAMHSA Tip Sheets for information on how to cope 
with the aftermath of disaster or trauma:

 Guide for Parents and Educators: Tips for Talking to Children and Youth

 Tips for College Student in the Wake of Trauma

 Tips for Emergency and Disaster Response Workers

 Tips for Managing and Preventing Stress

 Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: Managing Your Stress

Tips for Survivors:  What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life

 Tips for Talking to Children; Interventions at Home for Preschoolers to Adolescents

Want to volunteer?
Go to these sites for information regarding volunteering in your community:
www,okmrc.org
www.redcross.org
www.1-800-volunteer.org

Contact:
Thomas Thomson
Disaster Planning Response Program Manager
405-522-8310