Disaster Behavioral Health Symposium 2023

Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) is set to host its third annual Disaster Behavioral Health Symposium. The 2023 symposium will meet in person to highlight the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and connection between community partners to support people recovering from and responding to emergencies and other crises. This three-day event will take place from May 24-26 at the American University campus in Washington, D.C.

The event’s theme The Power of Community and Connection in Disaster Behavioral Health Response is a nod to the firsthand power of community and collaboration, witnessed in the middle of a globally devastating pandemic. It will also invite reflection on the heightened visibility of mental health and ways to support responders. Importantly, it will provide a stage for members of the disaster behavioral health community to engage and share first-hand experiences with attendees, and leave them with concrete solutions, tools, and approaches to create positive change in their communities.

On the event’s impact, Kimberly Williams, President and CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health, said, “We understand that our response to crisis and trauma plays a significant role in a person’s ability to heal and recover. The work of both Vibrant’s Crisis Emotional Care Team and the Disaster Distress Helpline, administered by Vibrant, focuses on ensuring that all individuals, survivors, responders, and communities have access to the resources they need to cope and an equal opportunity to recover, when and how they need it. The Disaster Behavioral Health Symposium will bring together organizations and individuals with this same mission, to share learnings and best practices, and raise awareness of the importance of disaster mental health.”

Vibrant’s annual symposium begins on Wednesday, May 24, with an opening address from Vibrant leadership and a networking dinner. On Thursday and Friday, attendees can expect a variety of dynamic presentations that will share lessons learned from the field and highlight the importance of collaboration across sectors, including government agencies, organizations, and associations, when addressing disaster response. This

year’s program will also feature discussions on the impact of climate change on disaster behavioral health, workforce protection, and managing burnout. Dinner will be provided on Wednesday and three full meals on Thursday and Friday. Attendees will also have access to American University’s café, arboretum, and the Kay Spiritual Life Center on campus.

For more information about the event and for ticket purchases, visit Vibrant’s Disaster Behavioral Health Symposium. For those interested in sponsoring this event, or for anyone with questions about the event, please email us at [email protected].