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Disaster Intervention: Long-term Psychosocial Benefits in Armenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Louis M. Najarian
Louis M. Najarian*
Affiliation:
Clinical Associate Professor of PsychiatryNew York University School of MedicineNew York, USA
*
324 Park Avenue, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA E-mail:LMNMD@aol.com
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Abstract

This paper describes a unique situation in which disaster intervention following a massive earthquake led to significant, uninterrupted, psychosocial benefits to the entire country, and an intervention program that continues to evolve. The mental health program initially provided service to the victims, and then, training to local professionals during which personnel simultaneously conducted clinical research. Members of the mental health team made a life-long commitment to the country, and continue their activities to expand its impact on public health policy. The difficult history and life circumstances of the Armenian people provided the opportunity for disaster interventions to have extensive psychosocial benefits.

Keywords

disasterpsychosocial issuestraining
Type
Special Reports
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 19 , Special Issue 1: Psychosocial Themes , March 2004 , pp. 79 - 85
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2004

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