November 21, 2013

LLUH sends team to help with recovery efforts in the Philippines

Loma Linda University Health is actively involved in the relief and recovery effort in the Philippines following the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan. The typhoon, which struck on November 8, is one of the most powerful storms ever recorded.

The School of Public Health has deployed two staff at the request of Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). Brett McPherson, emergency management supervisor, LLUH support services and Jessie Bliss, MPH, assistant dean, LLU office of public health practice, Center for Public Health Preparedness, School of Public Health, are now on-site.

They are carrying out an on-the-ground assessment to help ADRA assist people in areas hardest hit by the storm. The LLUH team is assisting with a three-week campaign of planning, health needs assessment, clinical care, and shelter deployment in areas devastated by the typhoon.

An estimated 4.4 million people have been displaced by the disaster. According to the Philippine government, the typhoon has killed more than 3,980 people and injured 18,266. More than 1,600 people are missing.

According to Beverly Buckles, DSW, dean, School of Behavioral Health, the LLUH International Behavioral Health Trauma Team is prepared to assist. The team’s response occurs during the second wave of support. According to Dr. Buckles, the team uses the time frames associated with Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to determine the timing of the team’s intervention. As such, research shows that individuals generally return to their prior level of functioning, with ASD being resolved for approximately 80 percent of the population after 30 days, (if their basic needs for water, food, shelter, etc. are provided). During the next 30-day period it is generally thought that another 10 percent have adjusted post disaster. After 60 days is when mental health professionals begin to assess for PTSD – which is usually estimated at 10 percent of the population. Dr. Buckles points out that there are factors that affect these numbers such as long standing prior deprivation or multiple prior trauma experiences. The LLUH  International Behavioral Health Trauma Team will provide education, psychological first aid, and sustainable trauma resiliency training to local health care providers and NGOs, who will then assist those who need help.

According to Ryan Sinclair, PhD, MPH, assistant professor, School of Public Health, “LLU is known as a global hub for all aspects of health. Our Public Health Disaster Assistance and Relief Team [DART} is now working with ADRA international to conduct a rapid needs assessment on water and sanitation, logistics, and shelter among others, in select regions of the Philippines.” Dr. Sinclair has created a blog post highlighting ways people can assist: http://publichealthblog.org/blog/2013/11/19/volunteer-for-the-philippines-disaster-response.

Prayers and financial support are appreciated as LLUH responds to this crisis, bringing our expertise and compassion to those who need it most.

Those who would like to make a donation to support LLUH Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts may access: https://advancement.lluhealth.org/philippines.

 

 

 

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