The 18th Annual Great Plains Disaster Behavioral Health Conference has moved online.

The two-day conference will go from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 22 and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 23 via Zoom. Registration is free and available online.

This year’s conference focuses on learning how to prepare and respond to the psychological effects of disaster and mass casualties, including COVID-19. Application has been made for three hours of APA continuing education. Find more information online.

Conference objectives - Discuss the role of behavioral health in long-term disaster recovery. - Describe the role of various state and volunteer organizations in individual and community disaster recovery. - Demonstrate how behavioral health professionals can work with state and volunteer organizations to assist with individual and community recovery.

Conference schedule

July 22

8:45 to 9 a.m. — Introduction from First Lady Susanne Shore

9 to 10:20 a.m. — Disaster Basics Overview Short presentations from DHHS, NEMA/FEMA, VOAD/COAD and Nebraska Extension

10:20 to 10:30 a.m — Break

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. —  Long-Term Recovery Panel

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Community Recovery: Lessons Learned from Joplin, Missouri, Jane Cage

July 23 (3.0 APA hours, this day only)

9 to 10 a.m. — Overview of current mental health outreach activities related to COVID-19

10 to 10:05 a.m. — Break

10:05 to 11:05 a.m. — Introduction to Disaster Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

11:05 to 11:10 a.m. — Break

11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. — Ethics in Disaster Work/Cultural Competency

12:10 to 12:30 p.m. — Wrap Up

Conference Announcement