St. John’s Workshop Prepares Caregivers to Aid Child Victims of Hurricane

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, St. John's mobilized considerable resources to address the physical, emotional and psychological needs of those impacted by the catastrophic storm.

The latest example of St. John’s efforts was a workshop entitled “Child Victims of Hurricane Sandy: Post-Disaster Mental Health,” which the University hosted on November 19. Nearly 150 caregivers — including members of the clergy, mental health professionals, educators and pediatricians — gathered for the afternoon event, presented in the D'Angelo Center by Elissa Brown, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Executive Director of the University’s Child HELP Partnership.

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Outlining the typical reactions of child victims after a natural disaster, Dr. Brown provided the audience with intervention strategies and resources for those seeking to assist affected communities. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a major consequence of an event such as Hurricane Sandy, she noted.

Dr. Brown explained that children often display age-specific reactions to trauma, such as regressive behavior, self-blame, anger, withdrawal and feelings of helplessness. At the same time, adolescents may respond in positive, tangible ways. “There is this wonderful desire to do something,” said Dr. Brown. “We also do that to help ourselves. We want to do act in a way that is beneficial — that will move us along in the recovery period.”

Opening the program, Reverend James J. Maher, C.M., Executive Vice President for Mission and Student Services, likened the workshop’s efforts to the sign of renewal that God offered Noah after the Great Flood. “You are like a ‘living rainbow,’ said Fr. Maher. “Just as the rainbow, in its many colors, promised a new life, the varied work you’re doing sends a similar message to those who survived Hurricane Sandy.”

The workshop, he added, embodies St. John’s Vincentian spirit. “St. Vincent de Paul had a special ability to infuse a vibrant, living mission into the institutions he founded,” said Fr. Maher. “At the core of this University is the belief that we must continue to act as a bridge to the needs of society, particularly the most vulnerable.”

New York State Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens, NY) also provided welcoming remarks. He discussed the “unprecedented” trauma and anxiety he encountered when meeting with victims of Hurricane Sandy. “Many of the people alive today didn't suffer through the Great Depression,” he said. “This is their first experience in which they have been deprived of normal, day-to-day services such as power, food and gas. Many have no homes to return to.”

Avella observed that children view their parents as role models, especially in stressful situations. “If parents become irrational or can't deal with a traumatic situation, imagine how it translates to their children,” he said. Avella thanked those who attended for proactively addressing these needs. "What you're doing is very important. We have to let victims know that while this is bad, we'll all get through it together."