Stay Informed:

• We recommend Red Cross' COVID-19 safety tips to prevent getting sick. If you’re sick, stay home. 
• Look for more information only from trusted sources like the CDC and San Diego County public health agency. Stay tuned for all of the latest info on The Exchange at the COVID19 Topic Hub.

Help Others:

• If you’re healthy, give blood and encourage others to give blood, too. As blood drives are canceled due to coronavirus concerns, the American Red Cross strongly urges healthy individuals to give blood or platelets to help patients in need. Over the last few days, we have seen blood drive cancellations grow at an alarming rate.  One of the most important things we can do to ensure we don’t have another health care crisis on top of the coronavirus is to encourage blood donations. 

• SD CAMFT is collaborating with the San Diego Red Cross. They need volunteers and the quickest way to get involved is by attending one of their meetings or signing up online as a volunteer! Once you apply, please email Kayley Hearnsberger letting her know you've applied and are affiliated with SD CAMFT.  Some volunteer opportunities include: Military Welcome Home calls, On-Call referrals, and Disaster Mental Health services. 

  In the midst of the disasters facing our community, we're working to facilitate a joint Disaster Mental Health effort.  Red Cross DMH volunteers work in a variety of capacities, most often working with people affected by devastating disasters. In these cases, DMH volunteers provide a compassionate, listening ear-- something that many people need in times of crises. DMH volunteers also provide coping and recovery tips for people on what’s often the worst day of their lives. 

Join the Committee:

• The Crisis Response Education and Resource Committee (CRERC) of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) has excellent information for mental health professionals interested in the field of crisis response. The purpose of the Committee is to support professional development in the field of crisis response by informing members about the mission and function of the CRER Committee, presenting historical perspective and foundational concepts, emphasizing the difference between crisis intervention and psychotherapy, suggesting steps for getting started, and delivering current resources for increasing knowledge, enhancing skills, and gaining experience. Members are encouraged to become part of the CAMFT Crisis Response Professional Development Group, which will allow associates to build a community of LMFT crisis responders by sharing ideas, interesting seminars, and field experiences.