Feasibility of disaster mental health preparedness training for black communities.

Objectives: To test the feasibility of developing evidence-based mental health training to build capacity to respond to natural disasters in black communities and the adaptation of a train-the-trainer (TTT) model for black community leaders and clinical providers in distressed areas at risk of natural disasters.

Methods: A core curriculum was developed based on a training needs assessment and resource review. Participants were recruited using network sampling in eastern North Carolina.

Assessment of training needs for disaster mental health preparedness in black communities.

Reducing racial disparities in postdisaster mental health requires the integration of unique and complex community challenges in disaster planning. We conducted focus group discussions with 13 community leaders and 7 clinical providers in eastern North Carolina to inform the adaptation of a competency-based training model in postdisaster mental health for black communities. The audience-specific perspectives on disaster mental health and training priorities were identified by structured thematic analyses.

Pilot test of cooperative learning format for training mental health researchers and black community leaders in partnership skills.

To support reduction of racial disparities in mental health diagnosis and treatment, mental health researchers and black community-based organization (CBO) leaders need training on how to engage in collaborative research partnerships. In this study, we pilot tested a series of partnership skills training modules for researchers and CBO leaders in a collaborative learning format. Two different sets of three modules, designed for separate training of researchers and CBO leaders, covered considering, establishing and managing mental health research partnerships and included instructions for self-directed activities and discussions.