Disasters & Mental Health

Course Overview

This online course will cover the unique mental health needs of individuals in the agricultural sector and the disaster responders who may help them. The training will include four modules that focus on understanding needs of individuals, families, and community members during and after a disaster. This will include and how to best support individuals in the context of a disaster. The development of this course is sponsored by the Florida State Agricultural Response Team (SART) and was developed in partnership with UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

Course Objectives
At the completion of this online training, you should be able to:

  • Understand the unique mental health needs of individuals, families, and communities within the agricultural sector during and after a disaster. 
  • Identify tools and best management practices to support individuals during and after a disaster. 
  • Define specific techniques and support for managing stress, coping techniques, and mental health during recovery operations.
  • Understand various factors that impact individual and community recovery following disasters.
  • Identify resources for support and referrals for help. 

Primary Audience

The target audience for this training will include SART team members and partners, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) employees, Florida State Agricultural Response Team (SART), UF/IFAS Extension faculty and staff, first responders, agricultural workers, organizations providing to services within agricultural communities, farmer, ranchers and their families, and other community members active in disasters the skills needed to address mental health needs and issues following disasters.

Prerequisites
None

Course Length

Total course length is approximately 2.5 hours to complete. You will be given 7 days to complete this training from the date you register. If you do not complete the training within 7 days, then your training registration will restart, and you will be required to complete the training from the beginning again.

  • Module 1 – 45 minutes of content + 15 minute activity
  • Module 2 – 20 minutes of content + 15 minute activity
  • Module 3 – 30 minutes of content + 10 minute activity
  • Module 4 – 40 minutes of content

Course Requirements
Students must complete all four modules to receive the Certificate of Completion.

UF IFAS Center for Public Issues Education