A team is being sent to the U.S. Virgin Islands to support workers who have been working there since the hurricanes in September 2017.
The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency is providing stress management resources and support for first responders, emergency personnel, and other government workers.
The team consists of personnel from MIEMSS, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, and private-sector providers.
The 17-person team team will be made up of one mental health leader, two administrative/logistics personnel, seven mental health providers, and seven fire/EMS/peers trained in Critical Incident Stress Management.
Critical Incident Stress Management provides services to emergency services responders when they need support in dealing with stressful situations. Mental health providers and emergency services peers will be paired together and will travel throughout the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas providing aid to those who have been coping with demanding situations.
Four team members will depart on January 23, and the rest of the team will depart on January 24. All personnel are scheduled to return on or before February 14, following the completion of their mission.
