Volunteers With NASW Texas Chapter Continue to Aid Flood Victims, Responders

By Paul R. Pace

Environmental disasters appear to be on the rise, and the trauma—both physical and emotional—that comes from these crises can have a major impact.

This is the case in Texas, where nearly two months after the deadly flooding in the Texas Hill Country, the NASW Texas chapter continues to play a vital role in helping victims and responders of the disaster.

“If the chapter can connect victims and first responders with volunteers, and partner with allied organizations to support recovery efforts, we can use our collective strength to help folks in Texas in need,” says Will Francis, executive director of the NASW Texas and Louisiana chapters.

The unprecedented rainfall from July 4 to 7 led to a catastrophic loss of life, numerous missing persons, and widespread destruction of homes and communities along the Guadalupe River, particularly in Kerr County and surrounding areas. At least 135 people, including more than 35 children, were killed in the flooding, according to news reports.

“By ensuring that the mental health needs of those responding to and impacted by the flooding are prioritized, we make sure that the chapter is directly involved in aiding communities in the state,” Francis said.

The chapter quickly created a response webpage when the flood occurred. It is updated with resources and information on how members can contribute financially, volunteer their time and skills, and stay informed on any specific messaging for social workers.

The chapter reached out to the Disaster Behavioral Health Consortium within the state Department of Health and Human Services, of which the chapter is a member, and has shared volunteer opportunities. Francis said the chapter has been working with the Texas HHS department to find volunteers to offer trauma support services to first responders as well.

“We’ve had over 160 people sign up,” he said. “Those folks worked through our Health and Human Services Department to support the over 1,000 professionals working to assist in triage, response, health services, clean-up and more.”

The chapter then shared its volunteer list with the International Medical Corps in response to the flooding and through its outreach to members. IMC has sent six NASW members directly into the affected areas to provide services. IMC handles the deployment and legal coverage, and also covers housing and travel for volunteers.

“The feedback we’ve received is positive, both in the ease for members to get involved, as well as the opportunity that NASW is providing for volunteers,” Francis said.

On the legislative side, there are a variety of state bills related to addressing the disaster response, Francis noted. “We provided testimony at a hearing last week covering the flooding,” he said, adding that the chapter recommended the following actions as part of a coordinated response:

• Designate funding to be directed to Kerrville for trauma counseling, family stabilization, and school-based support.
• Build local capacity by investing in training for local responders, teachers and health workers in trauma-informed care to provide ongoing community-based support.
• Establish state-supported deployment mechanisms for licensed mental health professionals, including social workers, to respond to future disasters.
• Allow for temporary reciprocity for more incoming out-of-state social workers and other licensed behavioral health providers who are able to quickly begin serving the community in its recovery efforts and serve grieving families in addition to navigating federal or state assistance programs as they become available.

In addition to the Disaster Behavioral Health Consortium, Francis said the chapter also serves on the Preparedness Coordinating Council, as the two organizations help train and deploy social workers after major disasters and traumatic events.

“We’ll continue to advocate for social workers with diverse backgrounds and skills, such as proficiency in Spanish and being trauma-informed and trained, to mobilize as needed,” he said.

The NASW Texas Chapter is based in Austin.
naswtx.org; naswtex.naswtx@socialworkers.org.