The Center for the Study of Violence Against Children (CSVAC)

University of Kentucky Behavioral Health Disaster Response Project

The UK Behavioral Health Disaster Response Institute is a series of projects designed to enhance and increase the capacity of health and mental health professionals to respond to events of disaster, terrorism or a public health emergency, and to establish best practice guidelines for emergency responders in a wide range of disaster scenarios. To accomplish this task, the project utilizes innovative and evidenced-based health care system training strategies (i.e. telemedicine and existing training networks), and the latest research methodologies to assist health and behavioral health providers in the detection and treatment of psychological distress following events of disaster.

Overview of Services

The UK Behavioral Health Disaster Response Project offers the following services:

On-site training to mental health and other healthcare providers on multiple topics related to the psychological consequences of exposure to events of disaster or mass casualties
Training offered via distance learning technologies, i.e. telemedicine
Training offered via online formats, i.e. trainings available via this website
Consultation to providers working with individuals, families and/or communities affected by exposure to traumatic events
Consultation and training to providers and organizations experiencing states of burnout and/or compassion fatigue
Research dissemination regarding trauma practices in the state of Kentucky and nationally
Consultation regarding research practices in the field of traumatology

Contact Information:

Principal Investigator, Ginny Sprang, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator, James Clark, Ph.D.
Project Director, Phyllis Leigh, MSW

Phone: (859) 543-0078
Fax: (859) 543-1121
Email: Phyllis Leigh at phyllis.leigh@uky.edu