The Washington State Department of Health will host two de-escalation community training opportunities this month: from 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, and from 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. The virtual sessions are free, led by professionals with disaster response expertise and are especially helpful for those who have considerable interaction with members of the public.
Many public health and health care providers are experiencing uncomfortable and stressful interactions with the public and coworkers which is increasing workplace and personal stress. This training is designed to help navigate those difficult conversations and focus on clear and effective communication. Because some conflicts are inevitable, de-escalation skills will be covered.
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 Behavioral Health Group has worked to address the behavioral health impacts of COVID-19 by leading the statewide behavioral health response efforts. The group provides situational awareness on behavioral health impacts and capacity, works to build capacity to support long-term behavioral health needs and provides tools and subject matter expertise on disaster behavioral health principles to promote emotional wellbeing. (Brittany Weiner)
