Disaster Planning Handbook for Behavioral Health Service Programs Part One (DA2316)

Course Format

This course is online. All course material is available online and is accessible immediately after purchase from your account homepage. Certificate of Completion is available immediately upon passing the exam.

Course Overview

This course covers Chapters 1-3 of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guide for program services management and disaster planning teams to develop strategies for implementing emergency preparedness ahead of time. This technical assistance publication (TAP) guide assists behavioral health services programs to create comprehensive, flexible disaster plans with clearly written reference tools for rapid and effective responses.

Course Objectives

1. Recognize that disasters are often violent, life-threatening events that affect behavioral health patients and formulate a disaster preparedness plan to address potential emergencies.


2. Communicate with other organizations for participation in community-based disaster exercises and collaboration plans in the event of an emergency situation.


3. Educate program service staff about the need for emergency preparedness before a disaster occurs, provisions that need to be made, and staff roles during a disaster event.


4. Review policies and procedures on a regular basis and inform staff of necessary changes or updates to implement.


5. Analyze data after a disaster for education, applying adjustments, and improving potential future disaster responses.

Course Outline

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