WTC Records Folder 0128 Disaster Information General label, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Responding to Terrorism Victims - Oklahoma City and Beyond Page 2 of 10

accuracy of the identification or the evidence-gathering process. Death notification should be handled by professionals with training and experience. Whenever possible, surviving families should be consulted and their wishes honored concerning issues including whether to view the remains of their loved ones, how to inter human tissue that cannot be identified, and the timing of official ceremonies and memorial services.

Recommendation 3

In the immediate aftermath of a terrorism disaster, local officials should consider establishing a centralized "compassion center" where victims can go for information, crisis counseling, and privacy.

Discussion In addition to addressing comfort and privacy needs of victim families, officials need to be able to quickly reach families to obtain critical information necessary for identification and handling of remains and for the investigation. The creation of a victim information center may have benefits for both victims and responding agencies.

Recommendation 4

Mental health services should be made available in the immediate aftermath of a terrorist act, and plans should be made for assessment and long-term provision of services for victims and responders.

Discussion The response of mental health providers to terrorism victims and responders incorporates the following points:

Service providers should be screened, trained, and certified in the provision of mental health services to victims of human-caused disasters.

■ Mental health services should be culturally sensitive and address diverse needs, beliefs, and lifestyles of all affected victims.

■ Mental health services should provide for immediate needs and long-term needs. Immediate needs may include services provided by a trained counselor or chaplain during death notification at a hospital or at a compassion center whereas long-term needs may be served at a special, nontraditional counseling center for victims.

■ Crime victims compensation programs should have guidelines for funding mental health services and should make the process as simple and accessible as possible.

The Office for Victims of Crime and the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are working together to develop materials and training for community

http://www.OjP.usdOi.gov/ovc/publications/infbres/respterrorisratchap9.htrnl 9/29/01

NYC-WTC 000137333