REST, the Resilience and Emotional Support Team, is a new initiative by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to create a mental health response team that is mobilized and deployed during disasters or public health emergencies. REST volunteers can be deployed during hurricanes, building collapses, train derailments and more. OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services has been the only pilot agency selected for this new program.
REST is designed to take the lead at these events in order to quickly give aid to affected New Yorkers. REST members can be mobilized and deployed to a designated area in the field or the Emotional Support Call Center during disasters or public health emergencies.
To be a REST member, a person must have a New York State license or certificate as a social worker, counselor, therapist or qualified psychiatrist (NYSMHL), a master’s degree and at least two years of full-time experience providing mental health services or one year of experience providing services to those experiencing traumas or disasters, in addition to a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience providing mental health services.
To ensure consistent and effective results, REST members undergo an intense, mandatory day-long skill- and knowledge-building training. This helps everyone in need get the same excellent level of required care through evidence-based acute-phase mental health support.
Tzviy Reiter, a director at OHEL, worked closely with New York City’s DOHMH after Hurricane Sandy with Project Hope and continues the relationship through OHEL’s participation as a pilot agency for REST. She comments that “thankfully, OHEL’s reputation in delivering performance-based outcomes is well acknowledged, and we are most grateful to DOHMH in partnering with OHEL.”
After the pilot program is complete, the Department of Health hopes to expand and refine the REST program with further training, team members and a wider range of support throughout New York City.
Says Tzviy, “OHEL is proud to be at the forefront of more groundbreaking work in the world of mental health care and is looking forward to contributing our skills to benefit our fellow New Yorkers in need.”
Since 1969, OHEL has served as a dependable haven of individual and family support, helping people of all ages surmount disability, everyday challenges, heal from trauma and manage with strength and dignity during times of crises. OHEL serves thousands in need every day in communities in New York, New Jersey, California and worldwide.
Individuals interested in the many programs that OHEL offers should contact OHEL at (800)-603-OHEL (6435).
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