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RSSNew Training Tools Highlight Psychological First Aid Basics
Efrat Stein, Chicago Department of Public Health 312.747.9805
Alexandra Harkness, MCHC 312.906.6143, cell: 312.259.7511
For Immediate Release
Today, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) in collaboration with The Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council (MCHC), and Chicago Healthcare System Coalition (CHSCPR) launched a new psychological first aid training video for health care workers and first responders. The video aims at reducing and dealing with the psychological trauma caused by tragedies like 9/11, mass shootings, natural disasters or even a car accident that can result in emotional scars that last a lifetime.
The release of the video comes during September, National Preparedness Month. “This training video raises awareness about recognizing the importance of tending to both the physical and psychological wounds of disaster survivors,” said Dr. Bechara Choucair, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Psychological First Aid is an evidence-informed intervention for assisting children, adults and families in the early aftermath of disaster, terrorism and public health emergencies. It is designed to reduce the initial distress caused by disasters and to foster short and long-term adaptive functioning.
The Psychological First Aid training tool is not just for mental health professionals, but for any first responder who provides early assistance to survivors. The video provides a basic introduction of Psychological First Aid, provides examples of how to talk to survivors of trauma, how to recognize warning signs and outlines additional resources for a more comprehensive training.
The Psychological First Aid video is available on the City’s website or here: http://vimeo.com/44396497
If you are interested in additional trainings in Psychological First Aid, contact Dr. Nikoleta Boukydis, Psychologist, Clinical Counselor, Chicago Department of Public Health at Nikoleta.boukydis@cityofchicago.org.
Funding for this project was provided by the CDPH through a cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operation, Division of National Healthcare Preparedness Programs, Hospital Preparedness Program.
The Chicago Department of Public Health works to make Chicago a safer and healthier place by working with community partners to promote health, prevent disease, reduce environmental hazards and ensure access to health care for all Chicagoans. Visit us at www.cityofchicago.org/health to learn more about how CDPH is transforming the health of our city.
The Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council is a membership and service association comprising more than 150 hospitals and health care organizations working together, since 1935, to improve the delivery of health care services in the greater metropolitan Chicago area. More information is available on the MCHC website at www.mchc.org.
