Climate-related disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and others, are profoundly disruptive events with long-term effects on psychological and behavioral health. CSTS' Deputy Director, Dr. Joshua Morganstein, authored the most contemporary chapter on "Climate-Related Disasters: Impact, Risk, and Interventions", which is part of the recently released textbook Climate Change and Mental Health Equity. This chapter summarizes the science regarding mental health consequences of climate-related disasters, identifies risk and protective factors, and highlights actionable recommendations for interventions to support community members, responders, and leaders.

Coming soon! – The Center's annual Amygdala, Stress, and PTSD Conference will be renamed to better reflect a broad focus on understanding brain, behavior, and mind in the context of stress and resilience, illness and health. Since its inception, the conference has been ambitious in its breadth and diversity, bringing together scientists and clinicians whose work spans from basic, clinical, and community research to public health and healthcare. This exciting environment of mutual curiosity and desire to understand allows us all to be teachers and learners, sharing and acquiring new knowledge.

For previous conferences please go HERE

Now available: A CSTS study indicates that among 1,363 National Guard service members who activated in response to COVID-19 in early 2020, the four work tasks associated with the highest levels of stress were: 1) Patient transportation; 2) Working with the dead; 3) Working with families of COVID-19 patients; and 4) Working with residents in high-risk facilities. These rankings were reflected in work task scaled scores that indicate each task's level of high stress, with scores ranging from 32.8 to 100. These findings reflect the stress inherent in disaster-related work tasks associated with personal involvement with individuals who are sick, dying, or deceased and highlight the importance of supporting personnel involved in these work tasks.

Click HERE for abstract