Course Pediatric Disaster Behavioral Health (PDBH) Toolkit

Chaplains/spiritual care providers can be effective and helpful “force multipliers” for psychosocial support. Most hospitals have chaplaincy/spiritual care personnel who can support staff during times of overwhelm in natural disasters, for Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) and community violence, such as school shootings. During these larger events, organizations may also need to increase access to spiritual care resources and staff. 

Integrating Chaplains/Spiritual Care Providers into Preparedness

• Spiritual care providers should be included in planning, trainings, and exercises to prepare them for the expectations and role changes that happen during a large event.
• Embed spiritual care into planning for reunification processes and family assistance centers.
• Identify and develop partnerships with chaplain/spiritual care organizations and providers to activate during disasters. 
  • These should be certified or otherwise aligned with the consensus statement of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to ensure proper training and oversight. 

Additional resources & references:

• National VOAD – Disaster Spiritual Care Guidelines,: Quick guide, Full guidelines³³
• National VOAD –A Guide for Spiritual Care in Times of Disaster ³⁴