J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2015 Feb;54(1):1-5. 10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.1.1.

The Sewol Ferry Accident and Early Mental Health Care Response by Volunteer Activities of Korean Disaster Mental Health Committee and Members of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association

• Paik JW
• Kim HS
• Sim M
• Lee HK
• Woo YS
• Chung C
• Lee SH
• Seok JH
• Jeon HJ
• Lee SM
• Bang SY
• Na KS
• Lee BC
• Lee MS
• Huh HJ
• Chae JH

• KMID: 2343992
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.1.1

Abstract

On 16 April 2014, the Sewol ferry, carrying 476 people, sank in the ocean off the south coast of South Korea. Two hundred and ninety five are confirmed dead and 9 remain missing. The Korean Neuropsychiatric Association (KNPA) set up a Disaster Mental Health Committee (KDMHC) for out-reach services and to provide general strategies for promoting mental health and resilience. Mem bers of KDMHC and Volunteering Psychiatrists of the KNPA had participated in disaster mental health services organized by Gyeonggi-Ansan disaster mental health support team. Their activities were composed of psychoeducation, supportive individual and familial counseling and referring service to professional institutes. This report has described the outline of the initial and acute mental health care responses by KDMHC and volunteers among KNPA members.

Keyword

Sewol ferry accident; Disaster mental health; Korean Neuropsychiatric Association Disaster Mental Health Committee

MeSH Terms

Academies and Institutes
Counseling
Disasters*
Korea
Mental Health Services
Mental Health*
Psychiatry
Volunteers*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Organization Chart of Disaster & Trauma Mental Health Committee (until 31 May 2014).

Reference

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