Bluebonnet Trails Community Services Launches New Web-based Trauma Recovery Tool
New Web-Based Trauma Recovery Tool to Help Reduce the Psychological Impact of Bastrop Wildfires
Journey to Disaster Recovery™ helps guide fire victims through post-traumatic stress
(ROUND ROCK, TX) – Bluebonnet Trails Community Services (BTCS) announced today the launch of a web-based, self help tool to assist Bastrop County residents impacted by the recent wildfire disaster. A grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is helping bring the innovative study to Central Texas.
BTCS is partnering with the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs and the Texas Department of State Health Services to facilitate a study exploring the benefits of the Journey to Disaster Recovery™ website. The partnership will support BTCS’ pre-existing programs that work to identify and support depression and mental health problems.
The partnership is currently seeking participants for their program, which will explore the benefits of the Journey to Disaster Recovery™ website by conducting a voluntary study. This study will require participants to take a series of 3 surveys regarding their use of the website over a 90 day period. Any Bastrop County resident over the age of 18 one choosing to participate in the program will receive a financial stipend of $25.00. To participate in the Journey to Disaster Recovery™ survey, visit www.texas.bluesunsupport.com.
The Journey to Disaster Recovery™ website is a tool designed to improve coping skills following stressful events. BTCS has chosen to assist the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs with the website study because it aligns with BTCS’s Disaster Services Program and the Texas PRIDE Crisis Counseling Program, which helps Central Texas community members cope with emotional trauma and behavioral responses following events such as the recent catastrophic Bastrop wildfires.
“Bluebonnet Trails Community Services is deeply grateful for this opportunity to provide tools and mechanisms that allow individuals to evaluate their own mental health,” said BTCS Executive Director Andrea Richardson. “We believe Journey to Disaster Recovery™ will encourage more people in the communities we serve to seek help sooner and with less hesitation. I hope by participating in this program, we will draw focus to the services we provide and the individuals we help.”
The web-based study is not intended to replace professional mental health counseling. Journey to Disaster Recovery™guides the recovery of persons involved or affected by trauma.
By using this website, trauma survivors and first responders are given a restored sense of control, through knowledge and understanding. The site also offers direction in the recovery process, skill training to manage trauma related distress, support in determining the need for and access to professional assistance. The website is being developed by researchers at Blue Sun, Inc., a research-based company that develops behavioral health products and services, and the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.
“This website has been used in the aftermath of previous natural disasters and has shown encouraging results for those affected,” said Andrea Richardson. “Beyond the direct service it provides, participants will receive financial compensation after completing the survey.”
Anyone who has been impacted by the recent wildfires in Central Texas, including victims, first responders and Bastrop County residents, is eligible to volunteer for the study. If you are interested in participating or have any questions regarding this study, please contact BTCS: firsthelp@bbtrails.org or 800-841-1255. For more information about the program and to stay up to date on BTCS services connect with BTCS on Facebook.
Previous:
LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon Donates Emergency Motorcycle to Austin-Travis County EMS
Next:
LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon Announces $5,000 College Scholarships for Austin-Area
