The Colorado Crisis Education and Response Network: an analysis of policy and practices
Crepeau-Hobson, F.; Drennen, C.
International Journal of Emergency Mental Health 13(1): 3-10
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1522-4821 PMID: 21957752 Document Number: 655884
The Federal government has recognized the importance of including behavioral health in disaster response plans and policies. Many states have responded to these directives with the development and implementation of disaster behavioral health response teams. The Colorado Crisis Education and Response Network (CoCERN) is a statewide asset that is based in community partnerships formed to deliver effective, efficient, and professional disaster behavioral health services to communities impacted by a disaster Using the K. McInnis-Dittrich model of policy analysis, this paper analyzes this approach to disaster behavioral health response. Strengths and weaknesses of the program, as well as implications for practice are discussed.