Greensburg mental health work earns award

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

After a May tornado destroyed Greensburg, Kan., and damaged many farms and businesses in the surrounding area, the Kansas All-Hazards Behavioral Health Program team was there, offering mental health services and other support to citizens and emergency workers.

The program received the 2007 award for outstanding service from the Kansas Emergency Management Association.

Program coordinators are Briana Nelson Goff, associate dean for academic affairs in K-State’s College of Human Ecology and associate professor of family studies and human services, and Charlie Griffin, research assistant professor in family studies and human services.

Cathy Hernandez of Finney County Emergency Management nominated the K-State based organization.

“This organization provided much-needed counseling not only
for the residents of Greensburg and Kiowa County but also for response
personnel,” Hernandez wrote.

“They could always be seen around town in their green vests, checking on
residents and workers, pushing their carts, which were full of hand
sanitizer, bottled water and other essentials. Their response to
Greensburg exceeded all expectations.”

The program is a joint effort by K-State’s School of Family Studies and
Human Services, the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation
Services and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. It
consists of more than 400 health workers, clergy, school personnel and other
local community members, all of whom can respond after a disaster is declared
by the U.S. president.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 8th, 2007 and is filed under Dean's Blog.