Another timely workshop topic from Foundations Community Partnership. Dr. Patcho Santiago’s December 2, 2009, workshop on psychiatric responses to trauma will address how the psychological response to trauma will determine how a person, a family or a community recovers. From campus shootings, the attack on the world trade center, and Hurricane Katrina to flu pandemics and military deployment, almost everyone is affected in some way by disaster. This enlightening workshop will cover psychosocial responses to trauma, disaster and psychological first aid.

In light of the recent shootings at Fort Hood, the daily reports of casualties in the middle east, the impact of natural disasters worldwide, and ongoing violence in the community, I am looking forward to suggestions for “psychological first aid” for my patients, families and the community.