Disaster Response Network


The Disaster Response Network (DRN) is a national network of volunteer psychologists with training in disaster response who offer volunteer assistance to relief workers, victims, and victims' families after man-made or natural disasters.

After identifying a need to manage the stress experienced by its relief workers at disaster sites, the American Red Cross entered into a Statement of Understanding with the American Psychological Association to add a disaster mental health function to the services it offers. This agreement led to the development of APA's Disaster Response Network in 1991.

The DRN has more than 2,000 members nationwide. The DRN is currently developing an online database to track and provide information to these members. The network is comprised of state psychological association DRN programs, which are managed on a state-by-state basis. APA's DRN office serves as an information resource and a liaison between the states and the American Red Cross.

The coordinator for the DRN in Connecticut is Candice Weigle-Spier, Psy.D.

The Winter, 2005 issue of the Connecticut Psychologist has an article written by Jill Silverman, Ph.D., a CPA member, about her experience in Louisiana after hurricane Katrina. She went to Louisiana under the auspices of the American Red Cross and wrote about her experiences.

Her article in the CP is based on a longer article which is available here in PDF format. The photo by Dr. Silverman is one of many she took to document her work.