The CU Environment & Society Program and CU Population Center will co-sponsor a presentation entitled: “Enhancing Community Resilience Among Flood and Earthquake-Affected Communities in Nepal and Haiti” on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 from 11am-12pm in IBS 155B.
Courtney Welton-Mitchell, Research Associate, Natural Hazards Center
Leah James, Research Associate, Natural Hazards Center
Presentation Abstract: We share results of a randomized controlled trial examining a mental health integrated disaster preparedness intervention with flood and earthquake-affected communities in Haiti and Nepal. Over the past three years we have worked with nearly 1,300 persons in eight earthquake and flood affected communities in the two countries. Data outcomes indicate that the 3-day community intervention: increased disaster preparedness, decreased mental health symptoms, and increased social cohesion - including related help-giving and help-seeking. In addition to results of the RCT, we share findings highlighting local disaster preparedness strategies and culturally specific disaster attributions. Finally, we discuss the potential for the culturally adapted intervention manual to be used as a tool for building resilience among a variety of communities experiencing chronic natural hazards.