Global Emergencies and Mental Health

(CC BY EC/ECHO/Anouk Delafortrie-NC-ND 2.0)

This forum brought together humanitarian, development, and health experts from France and the US to discuss the present state of mental health and psychosocial care within the framework of relief and development programming.

As the humanitarian aid community addresses today’s global crises, mental health is an important, yet often overlooked need that is relevant in all phases of emergency and development interventions. Placing particular importance on disaster preparedness, building capacity, social reconstruction, and aid worker mental health and wellness, this forum provided an opportunity to discuss current best practices, obstacles, and solution-driven, culturally sensitive approaches as it enhances public awareness of mental health issues and care in emergencies.

This event was co-organized by the Consulate General of France in Atlanta and Emory University’s Center for Humanitarian Emergencies at Rollins School of Public Health, and Laney Graduate School’s Master’s in Development Practice.

3:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m.

Introductory remarks by Dabney Evans, the moderator of the forum, Executive Director at Emory University

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Panel 1: Addressing Mental Health of affected populations in Emergencies

4:45-5:00 p.m.

Coffee Break

5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Panel 2: Mental Health of Aid workers in Emergencies

6:00-7:00 p.m.

Questions, Wrap Up, Networking