Disaster Response Network of Phila.

Posted by on October 10, 2002

The Disaster Response Network of Philadelphia (DRNP) is being established by the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania (MHASP) to create settings in which self-help can occur to assist community members as they cope with crisis events. The goal is to have groundwork in place for community meetings to take place in the event there might be future disasters similar to Sept. 11, Oklahoma City, or Columbine. The benefits are anticipated to include catharsis, social support, and individual and community empowerment from organization and advocacy efforts that might result from the community gatherings.

The goal is to have a systematically developed network established to ensure that all sections of Philadelphia have an opportunity to participate in a locally run community meeting. We are seeking individuals to be part of a Core Group of leaders from around the city who would assist in the development of the network. The time commitment should be no more than 5 to 8 hours in a year.

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Sue Edwards at 215-615-0396
Mailing address: c/o Mark Salzer, PhD, Center for Mental Health Policy & Services Research, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St., Suite 3017, Philadelphia, PA 19104