The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) of Dutchess County will host mental health professional Dr. James Halpern, who will present his disaster response experience on Thursday, September 1st, at 7 p.m., at the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, 392 Creek Road in Poughkeepsie.
“Disasters can rob us not only of our loved ones and our possessions, but also our sense of well-being and ability to function,” said Henry M. Kurban, MD, MBA, MPH, FACPM, Dutchess County Commissioner of Behavioral & Community Health. “The mental health community recognizes that advance preparation, early intervention, and unique follow up techniques can greatly assist those whose lives have been touched by disaster.”
James Halpern, Ph.D., from the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz, will focus on the response at incidents like Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. In addition, Top Notch Dog Training representatives will share how therapy dogs continue to assist students affected by those shootings.
The Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County is comprised of both healthcare and non-healthcare volunteers as part of a national network of more than 200,000 volunteers dedicated to supporting public health infrastructure as well as disaster preparedness and response in the community.
This event is free, however seating is limited and registration is required. For more information about the Medical Reserve Corps, or to register, please contact MRC Coordinator Joe Ryan at (845) 486-2493 or jryan@dutchessny.gov.