Psychological First Aid for Faith Communities to be Held at Moravian College
News Release: September 21, 2009
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will co-sponsor Psychological First Aid and Disaster Preparedness for faith communities on Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Moravian College. There is no fee for the .5 CEU class which will be held in the Bahnson Center.

Psychological First Aid is an evidence-informed approach for assisting children, adolescents, adults, and families in the aftermath of disaster, terrorism, and other crisis events. It is designed for helpers to give practical assistance to meet immediate needs and concerns, reduce distress, and foster adaptive coping. This training is being offered to expand the skills of faith communities, behavioral health workers, and other disaster responders across the Commonwealth.

To register online, click here.

Course instructor is John D. Weaver, LCSW, BCD, ACSW. Weaver is a founding partner of EYE OF THE STORM, Inc., a private consultation and education group practice specializing in disaster mental health, crisis intervention, and risk management related training and support. Since 1992, Weaver has been an active volunteer with the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley and is a recipient of its Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership. Throughout his career, he has presented seminars and papers at state and national conferences in social work, psychology, counseling, and nursing. He is the author of three books, including Disasters: Mental Health Interventions.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves nearly 690,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 24,000 greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.