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University Students Fulfill Work Requirement in Gulf Coast Region

Posted on: Sunday, 9 October 2005, 18:00 CDT

By Raja Abdulrahim, The Times Herald-Record, Middletown, N.Y.

Oct. 6--When James Halpern proposed the idea for a disaster minor at SUNY New Paltz more than two years ago, some people had some doubt.

"Well, you know students need to have field work experience," Halpern was told.

"Trust me on this," he said.

Since then, there has been a string of disasters. Hurricanes in Florida. Local flooding in November and again in April. Hurricanes again.

When the minor was introduced this semester and students in a disaster psychology class were discussing natural disasters, Hurricane Katrina was a tropical storm headed toward New Orleans. The week it hit, the class was reviewing a training manual for mental health workers in major disasters.

And now in the devastating wake of Katrina, at least some of these 30 students will go down to the Gulf region with the Ulster County chapter of the Red Cross for a two-week deployment to fulfill their 3-credit field work requirement.

Some might say Halpern has been vindicated. Though he wouldn't say that, Halpern said there is a tendency for people to forget disasters and not realize how common they are.

Most of the 30 students have expressed interest in the deployment.

"I feel like it's our duty to help other human beings," said Lindsay Hereth, who was wearing a shirt that read "Young People Have Power."

Though not all of the students who want to go will be picked, Hereth, an anthropology senior, has already notified the restaurant she waitresses at and made child care arrangements.

Last Thursday, the class went over Red Cross certification for disaster mental health services.

"Given the fact that many of you may be deployed I'm curious about your questions, what you're worried about," Halpern said. "We're being told that this continues to be a hardship deployment."

As in other disasters, mental health problems arise in victims as well as volunteers. Halpern warned that the students might even see symptoms in themselves.

The students suggested ways they might deal with the stress in Louisiana. Talking to family or friends. Exercising. Listening to music.

Halpern said they were all good methods and reminded them to make sure their iPod batteries are fully charged.

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Source: The Times Herald-Record (Middletown, New York)

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