Training Opportunities

The Office of Disaster Services conducts trainings as well as provides information on various trainings for different audiences and all Missourians, such as First Responders, educators, parents, children, etc.  The training information below can help individuals find the right tools to help through the disaster recovery process; learning about emotions and what causes certain feelings to arise, plus gaining skills to manage and cope with post-disaster stress and adversity. 

Disaster Services Training Brochure

Guidebooks

Communication Guidebooks

Communication of accurate information for the public in times of disaster is critical in helping a community heal and recover. The Office of Disaster Readiness, in partnership with the Department of Health and Senior Services, developed the Disaster Communications Guidebook with mental health talking points to be used with various audiences during a disaster.

Other Guidebooks

Online Trainings

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Online Training
The DMH Office of Disaster Services presents this 19 minute video describing the "Ready-in-Three" emergency preparedness plan. Preparedness is critical for peace of mind. Because of the type of care needed for the populations we serve, many DMH employees have functions that require reporting for duty even in the most disastrous circumstances. It helps to know your family and loved ones at home are prepared and know what to do even when you must be at work and cannot be with them. Learn what you need to plan for at work if you need to 'shelter in place'. A little planning and a few simple supplies will make your stay much more comfortable.

The FEMA Crisis Counseling Program and the Healing Joplin Story
The DMH Office of Disaster Services presents this 18 minute video to describe the administration of the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program in the State’s response to the behavioral health needs of the community following the Joplin Tornado. Vicky Mieseler, Vice President of Clinical Services for Ozark Center describes their agency’s considerations in choosing to pursue the CCP grant, how Ozark Center implemented the program, and how it has aided the recovery of the Joplin community. This training is designed to address questions you may have regarding the operation of the Crisis Counseling Program and how it worked in Joplin. Disasters happen every day – fortunately, an EF-5 tornado is rare! We hope that your agency never needs to operate a response of this scope, but it is important to know what supports are available to your agency if you should ever be called upon to respond to an event of similar magnitude.

Online Clinical Trainings
The National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center provides links to online training courses for mental health providers to learn about empirically-based, trauma-focused treatments. 

Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR)
Interested first responders, crisis counselors and Faith-Based organizations with an external ministry are encouraged to take the free six-hour interactive class on Psychological First Aid. Participants explore the role of a psychological first aid provider in a post-disaster scene. It uses multi-media including videos and mentor tips from the nation’s trauma experts and disaster survivors. Participants may earn six continuing education credits. This project is funded by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Center for PTSD and the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

Prepared4All – Whole Community Emergency Planning Training
Learn how disability organizations develop relationships with local emergency managers and public health planners to increase disability inclusion in emergency preparedness. This training's primary audience is disability organizations, but could also be for emergency managers, public health professionals, healthcare professionals, CERT, MRC, other volunteer responders, ASTHO & NACCHO disability specialists, FEMA RDIS, and ASPR healthcare coalitions (HCCs).

SEMA Training Opportunities
Training PowerPoints
Trauma Informed Care Courses

Trauma Informed Care Courses
Learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the impact of trauma on people and communities. Sign up today and enroll in the courses that interest you.