Fundraiser to send mental health professional to hurricane disaster zone

by Carol Branson
September 13, 2017

Faculty Senate, Staff Council, students in the Mental Counseling Program, and students in the undergraduate Psychology Club will sponsor three events during the week of September 18 to benefit those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

The money raised during this week will be donated to the American Red Cross and earmarked for the deployment of a single licensed mental health professional to a disaster zone for a nine-day tour of duty. This money pays to transport, house, and feed the volunteer professional who may come from any area of the United States. 

Students, staff, and faculty are invited to participate in the below events.

Monday, Sept. 18 – Friday, Sept. 22

Penny Wars: A red bucket will be placed in every division and every department for a friendly competition of raising funds.

Tuesday, Sept. 19

Bake Sale: Donated items will be sold from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the CC Building in the lobby outside of the Division of Education.

Thursday, Sept. 21

Pancake Breakfast: Breakfast will be served from 8:30 – 10 a.m. in the CC Building in the lobby outside of the Division of Education. A $3 donation is requested. Each breakfast will be served with pancakes, sausage, and a drink.

Friday, Sept. 22

Announcement: An announcement will be made via email to the IUPUC community with the total funds raised from all events. This total will include money raised from “Fill the Bucket” during faculty convocation on Friday, Sept. 15.

In the past few weeks, we have seen images in the media of the physical suffering occurring on the Texas Gulf coast and of Florida. What is hidden from view is the mental distress that survivors and first responders experience when coping with such disasters.

Studies of residents impacted by Hurricane Katrina showed significant increases in the prevalence of PTSD, severe mental illness, suicidal ideation, and most disturbingly, suicidal plans (Kessler et al., 2008).  We know that early intervention by trained professionals can reduce the mental health impact of disasters on survivors (e.g., lessen the severity of acute stress and PTSD symptoms).