The New Social Worker Vol. 19, No. 4, Fall 2012 | Page 33

must simply hope for the best. We’re hoping other friends/contacts of people we message will see our posts and offer additional peer support. Social media will be an important tool in future responses to catastrophic events. It may even be the safest and preferred response option for something like a pandemic or any other event that involves sheltering in place. Red Cross anticipates greater use of DDVs, especially DDVs who also can serve as DMH responders, to help in these areas: • • • providing mental health support for both disaster victims and responders; promoting community resilience; and educating all disaster relief workers about self care. Red Cross is partnering with SAMHSA, APA, and the Disaster Distress Helpline for this initiative. The pilot utilized an initial group of about ten responders and Red Cross is seeking additional DDVs to expand the program. Become a DDV Who is an ideal disaster digital volunteer? Someone who: • • • • • • • • is an experienced user of online social tools is an established member of online communities is trained on Red Cross social engagement and knowledgeable about Red Cross services has good judgment is extremely empathetic does not have a profane, political, or religious filled social presence is willing to use his/her personal social presence to act as an official rep of the American Red Cross is capable of handling many details at once. Because of the time commitment and technical tools involved in this role, there are a few requirements that you must meet before you can get trained to be a DDV. If you match this profile and would like to become a Red Cross volunteer for the DDV team, see: http:// blog.redcross.org/disaster-digital-volunteertraining/ And, in case you are wondering whether all of this will work in serving people without power, turns out it does. Many messages that we responded to came from folks who managed to charge their smartphones and other tech equipment. So it turns out there is an APP (alternate power port) for that; people wisely use cars, transformers, 12-volt car battery jumpers with outlets, and even hand-crank flashlights that can charge phones (http://www.redcrossstore.org/shopper/prodlist.aspx?LocationId=111) to stay connected. John Weaver, LCSW, is a Disaster Mental Health and PA volunteer for the American Red Cross. [email protected]. Valerie Cole is a Senior Associate, Disaster Mental Health, American Red Cross. Valerie. [email protected] Gloria Huang is Senior Social Engagement Specialist, American Red Cross. [email protected] Disaster Distress Helpline Available 24/7/365 The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing yearround disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 via telephone [phone]) and SMS (text “TalkWithUs” to 66746). The DDH began October 1, 2011. 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