Inside this Edition
- 20th Annual IDMH Conference
- Welcome to Our New Employee
- IDMH Out and About
- From IDMH: Stay Connected, Stay Informed
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20th Annual IDMH ConferenceThe Winding Road: Sustaining Recovery and Resilience in Disaster-Affected Communities
IDMH Celebrates 20 Years of Connection and Learning
This October, IDMH proudly hosted its 20th Annual Conference, bringing together hundreds of professionals from emergency management, mental health, education, and first response for a full day of learning and collaboration.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees for making this milestone event such a success. Your expertise and enthusiasm created an inspiring space for dialogue and growth. Together, we advanced our shared mission to strengthen resilience, well-being, and preparedness across communities.
The day opened with an inspiring keynote by Anne Bink, former FEMA Associate Administrator, who shared insights on the critical role of local leadership in shaping effective recovery and resilience. Attendees then engaged in dynamic breakout sessions covering topics such as community-led recovery, long-term mental health strategies, first responder wellness, and the importance of social connections in disaster preparedness. The conference concluded with a powerful keynote from Dr. C.J. Huff, who recounted the Joplin Schools’ journey from tragedy to triumph after the 2011 tornado, offering lessons in leadership and hope for communities navigating recovery.
What Participants Loved Most
“One of the best conferences I’ve attended in years — relevant, inspiring, and full of practical takeaways.”
“A valuable opportunity to connect and collaborate across disciplines.”
“I always leave with new knowledge and new energy for the work we do.”
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Thank you to our Sponsor!
We’re proud to recognize the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) as a key sponsor of the 20th Annual IDMH Conference. DHSES plays a vital role in strengthening New York’s preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, and their continued support makes this important gathering possible. We’re grateful for their partnership in advancing resilience and disaster mental health across the state.
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Welcoming Our New Program ManagerWe are delighted to introduce Antonio José Pagán-Sánchez as the new Program Manager at IDMH. In this role, Antonio supports the development of psychoeducational curricula, training delivery, and community resilience programs.
Antonio brings a strong focus on trauma-informed care, disaster mental health, and the intersection of trauma exposure and forensic psychology. His research has examined the psychological mechanisms behind online radicalization, as well as burnout and organizational climate among law enforcement personnel—insights that shape his approach to advancing trauma-focused educational and community-based initiatives within the field of disaster mental health.
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IDMH Out and About
IDMH Presents at National Homeland Security Conference – Washington, D.C.
In August 2025, IDMH Interim Director Dr. Robin Jacobowitz joined Dr. Amy Nitza of SUNY Albany’s Global Center for AI in Mental Health and Terry Hastings from the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to share findings from the New York State First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment at the National Homeland Security Conference in Washington, D.C.
Their presentation spotlighted emerging trends in responder wellness—examining job-related stressors, mental health impacts, barriers to care, and evidence-based solutions. By bringing these insights to a national audience, the team helped advance the conversation on responder mental health and resilience as critical components of homeland security and public safety.
Strengthening Collaboration for Mass Casualty Preparedness
At the October 2025 New York State Office of Victim Services Bi-Annual Conference, IDMH Program Manager Andrew O’Meara led an interactive session titled “The Collaboration Puzzle: Strengthening Survivor Support.” The goal for the session was to emphasize the importance of building connections before disaster strikes.
Instead of a traditional lecture, participants engaged in a dynamic tabletop exercise. Working in small groups, attendees introduced themselves and their organizations, then mapped out what resources they could provide during a mass casualty event—and what resources they might need from others. After identifying gaps, groups were presented with a realistic scenario and asked to develop a response plan using available resources while strategizing how to obtain missing ones. Each group shared their plans with the room, sparking a powerful discussion about the complexity of disaster response and the necessity of collaboration. The exercise underscored a key takeaway: no single organization can meet all community needs after a disaster—partnerships are essential.
Interested in bringing this exercise to your organization?
Contact us today to schedule a customized session and strengthen your team’s preparedness.
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Puerto Rico Training Initiatives – San Juan, Puerto Rico
In August 2025, IDMH Program Manager Andrew O’Meara traveled to Puerto Rico to continue work the institute has been leading since 2017. The trip focused on two key initiatives: training community organizations through IDMH’s SAMHSA-funded project and providing hands-on instruction to graduate students in the Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling program at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras.
As part of the five-year SAMHSA project, IDMH delivers Psychological First Aid (PFA) training to organizations serving youth impacted by disasters. This training is critical as many mental health professionals have left the island in recent years, leaving gaps in care. In August, the team trained 30 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors from the Vocational Rehabilitation Administration of Puerto Rico, equipping them with PFA skills to better support children following traumatic events.
The team also led a multi-day training for graduate students at UPR Río Piedras. This annual program introduces a 10-session coping skills group intervention manual for adolescents, designed to reduce stigma around trauma reactions and foster social cohesion. Students learn how group counseling creates a safe environment for sharing emotions and thoughts. On the second day, participants practice leading sessions and receive feedback from instructors—preparing them to implement the intervention during their practicum and internships.
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| From IDMH: Stay Connected, Stay Informed
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Earlier this year, the New York State First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment was released, offering critical insights into the stress, challenges, and barriers to care faced by over 6,000 first responders statewide. Commissioned by DHSES and conducted by the Benjamin Center and the Institute for Disaster Mental Health, this important study is available anytime on our website.
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Formerly known as The DMH Responder, The Frontline Review is our biannual newsletter created in partnership with the NYS Department of Health. Each issue explores the critical intersection of frontline response and mental health, delivering timely insights, practical resources, and real stories from the field. Stay informed, inspired, and connected—subscribe today so you don’t miss the next edition!
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Contact Us
Institute for Disaster Mental Health
Science Hall 148
1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561-2440
Phone: (845) 257-3477
Email: idmh@newpaltz.edu
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