Supporting Children’s Mental Health Needs in Disasters

• 2025

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• Jennifer Hoffmann; Alba Pergjika; Kimberly Burkhart; Christopher Gable; Ashley Foster; Mohsen Saidinejad
PMID: 39689730DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-068076

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About

This article discusses how health systems can effectively address children's unique developmental, social, emotional, and behavioral needs during disasters. It emphasizes integrating mental health considerations in all phases of disaster management, utilizing traditional and emerging response models. The importance of establishing partnerships with various community touch points to create a "pediatric disaster system of care" is highlighted. Attention is needed to ensure access to care for children with preexisting behavioral health conditions, promote equitable identification of mental health needs, and provide appropriate services during disasters. Strategies include psychological first aid, mental health screening, and stepped care approaches.

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Tags

Focus Areas: Mental Health; Natural Disasters; Trauma; Violence

Audiences: Behavioral Health Professionals; EMS Clinicians; Public Health Professionals

Emergency Management Stages: Response; Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Crisis Intervention; Disaster Planning; Disasters; Emergency Services, Psychiatric; Mental Health; Mental Health Services; Pediatrics; United States; Health Equity; Psychological First Aid

Institutions: Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital; UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital; University of California San Francisco; Harbor-UCLA Medical Center; Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN); Children's National Hospital; UCLA School of Medicine

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