A community mental health nurse is a member of a mobile crisis team providing services to victims of a category 4 hurricane. Of these strategies, which would be the priority action for the team to utilize in reaching those who need mental health services?

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Individuals impacted by emergencies such as a natural disaster often experience severe emotional stress and are in need of mental health services. Clients may experience a wide range of emotions and reactions including confusion, fear, hopelessness, grief, survivor guilt, and anxiety. Mental health professionals can provide support, crisis intervention, and promote resilience in coping with the effects of the disaster. Services may be provided in shelters, food distribution centers, churches, "pop-up" disaster relief centers, schools, and/or in homes. However, finding and reaching potential clients and family members in the aftermath of a disaster can be challenging because: Clients may not know where or how to seek help Clients may be afraid or unable to leave their homes Telephone services and other lines of communication may be disrupted Potential clients may leave their homes and go to shelters or alternate housing Transportation may be severely limited It is essential to coordinate outreach efforts to maximize resources and avoid duplication of services and/or inefficiency in providing services. The mobile crisis team's priority action is to check in with the local command center, then to assist in planning outreach strategies with other community agencies, and receive assignments. (Option A) Contacting other social service agencies may be part of an effort to coordinate services once the team has reported in to the local command center. (Option B) This is an appropriate outreach strategy after the mobile crisis team has checked in at the local command center and has received the assignments. (Option C) Putting up flyers may not be a particularly effective way to provide outreach to those affected by a disaster as clients may be afraid to leave their homes or they may be unable to get to where the services are being provided. Educational objective: Individuals impacted by natural disasters or emergencies are often in need of mental health services for assistance in coping with a wide range of reactions and emotions including fear, confusion, hopelessness, and anxiety. Outreach strategies in the aftermath of a disaster need to be centrally coordinated by the various community agencies providing services in order to maximize efficiency and avoid duplicative efforts.

A Community Mental Health Nurse Is a Member of a Mobile