SCPS Disaster Mental Health Relief Committee
Resources for providers, leaders, and community members during the aftermath of a disaster:
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress – All Fact sheets
Addressing Needs of Mentally Ill in Disasters
Communication – Anticipating Responding to Stressful Events
Funerals and Memorials – A Part of Recovery
Grief and Tragedy
Helping Community and Families Recover After Disaster
Psychosocial Concerns of Victims after Disaster Tips for Healthcare Providers
Restoring Wellbeing in Children After Disaster
Helping Children Understand Frightening Events
Fire Disaster Resources
The following is a long list of resources that may be helpful following this natural disaster:
American Red Cross – Wildfires Response
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP)
Instagram – Joe Flanigan – Fire Recovery Advice
Financial Support for Physicians
- CMA Assistance
- CMA is working to help physicians facing challenges and disruptions in patient care due to the ongoing fire.
- Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) has launched a Disaster Relief Fund. Donations will support impacted physicians and practices by providing financial assistance to restore medical care delivery.
Mental Health Services
- Disaster Distress Helpline
- 1-800-985-5990 (24/7 national hotline offering crisis counseling for emotional distress caused by disasters).
- CalHOPE Warm Line
- 1-833-317-HOPE (4673) – Peer counselors offer compassionate, non-judgmental support and guidance.
- Friendship Line California
- 1-888-670-1360 – Crisis intervention and emotional support for older adults.
Social Services
- California Department of Social Services
- Guides for Disaster Assistance Services available in English and Spanish.
- Services for Older Adults
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) offer a variety of services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.
- Contact: 1-800-510-2020; TTY 1-800-735-2929
- Services for People With Disabilities
- Independent Living Centers (ILCs) provide emergency preparedness, assistive technology, and transitional services during emergencies.
- Disability Disaster Access and Resource Program (DDAR)
- Support for individuals relying on electricity for medical devices.
- Apply online or contact your local DDAR Center.
Community and Energy Assistance for Low-Income Households
- California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD)
- Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offer services to address emergency needs.
- Contact: (866) 675-6623
Vital Records Replacement
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- Assistance with replacing birth, death, marriage, and other vital records lost due to disasters.
- Call 916-445-2684; TTY 1-800-735-2929.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
- California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
- Provides information on individual and family emergency preparedness.
Psychological Support and Training
- Psychological First Aid Training and App
- Online training and mobile app covering early childhood through adults.
- Access Psychological First Aid Training.
Wildfire-Specific Resources
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
- Supports survivors, responders, and recovery workers affected by wildfires.
- More Information.
- CDC Tips for Emotional and Physical Well-Being
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Guidance for staying safe during wildfire response and recovery.
- OSHA Wildfire Response Information.
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Recovery tips and guidance for individuals and families affected by wildfires.
- APA Wildfire Recovery Tips.
Resources for Children and Youth
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires
- Parent Guidelines (Available in Spanish).
- Trinka and Sam: The Big Fire
- A children’s book addressing the effects of wildfires on communities and children.
- Download the Book (Available in Spanish).
- Media Coverage Tips for Parents
- Tips for managing children’s media exposure during and after wildfires.
- Wildfire Media Tips.
Resources for Older Adults
- Helping Older Adults After Disasters
- Guide on supporting older adults after a disaster.
- SAMHSA Guide.
- Stress of Relocation After a Disaster
- CDC handout on managing stress related to relocation after disasters.
- Download CDC Handout.
Resources for People With Disabilities
- People With Disabilities and Access Needs
- Tips for First Responders
- Guide for communicating with people with disabilities during emergencies.
- First Responder Tips (Available in Spanish).
Resources for First Responders
- First Responders and Disaster Responders Resource Portal
- Mental health and substance use support for responders.
- SAMHSA Resource Portal.
- Managing Stress for Responders
- Guide for stress management before, during, and after disaster response.
- Download Guide.
- Understanding Compassion Fatigue
- Tips for preventing and coping with compassion fatigue.
- Compassion Fatigue Tip Sheet (Available in Spanish).
- Firefighters Helping Firefighters (FHF)
- Videos and resources addressing firefighter stress and trauma.
- Visit FHF Website.
- EMS Families: Managing Challenges
- Strategies for coping with the challenges of emergency medical services work.
- NCTSN EMS Families Resource.
This comprehensive list of resources aims to support individuals, families, and communities in their recovery and well-being after disasters.