FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


How can I get more involved with the CDMHP? There are numerous ways that people can get involved with the CDMHP. Examples of ways people are currently joining together to make a difference with the CDMHP include: attending trainings, joining the advisory board, giving helpful tips on the blog, and sharing their disaster experiences and helpful resources.

What resources are needed to continue to grow the CDMHP? If you have something to share that relates to your community’s experience with Hurricane Katrina or disaster preparedness that may be helpful to others, let us know. We are especially looking for post-disaster sermons that we can share with other pastors and faith communities. We are also seeking post- Katrina and post-recovery photos of churches, along with stories of your church’s experiences with disasters to highlight on our website.

Are people working on the CDMHP open to working with other groups to provide disaster related trainings? Definitely, we greatly value collaboration. We welcome the opportunity to talk with others about providing in-person trainings, developing on-line trainings, or co-sponsoring training events--from individualized congregational trainings to community and even regional trainings.

Are members of the CDMHP interested in working with faith communities and community organizations to pursue disaster related grants? Yes, we have collaborated with various faith communities and community organizations as co-investigators and as consultants on grant related projects. We can offer assistance in developing grant proposals, conducting needs assessments, and providing research support.

Are there opportunities to participate in research through the CDMHP? Yes, we are looking to identify African American churches to participate in the following study: The Role of the African American Church and Religiousness in Overcoming Long-Term Disaster Responses. The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding into how religious coping and support have helped people adjust following Hurricane Katrina. Our hope is that the findings from this study will help us pursue additional service related funding to address wellness issues on the Gulf Coast.