Pediatric Disaster Behavioral Health (PDBH) Toolbox

This Toolbox was developed by the Pediatric Pandemic Network’s (PPN) Mental & Behavioral Health Domain. Final version was completed August 2026. The Toolbox is developed for educational purposes only. 

The Pediatric Pandemic Network is supported in part by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of cooperative agreements U1IMC43532 and U1IMC45814 with 0 percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The content presented here is that of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit HRSA.gov.

This Toolbox includes recommended actions that agencies and jurisdictions may want to consider during incidents with pediatric disaster behavioral health impacts. These strategies are not prescriptive and thus should be considered and organized within the context of the incident, the organizations responding, and the existing emergency management structure and plans. Furthermore, these strategies are not a mandate, nor do they reflect a comprehensive list of all potential considerations related to pediatric disaster behavioral health. Finally, the information included in this toolkit is focused on disaster related impacts and is not designed to address everyday mental health emergencies. 

With Support from the Pediatric Pandemic Network

pedspandemicnetwork.org

The Pediatric Pandemic Network is supported in part by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of cooperative agreements U1IMC43532 and U1IMC45814 with 0 percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The content presented here is that of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit HRSA.gov.

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You are free to download and share this work for noncommercial purposes, as long as you credit the Center for Global Health and the Pediatric Pandemic Network for the original creation.