Physical preparedness is a standard part of disaster planning. Emergency systems prepare infrastructure, supplies, communication networks, and response teams. Mental-health preparedness, however, is often less developed and remains largely reactive.
PreAct works to change this by positioning mental health as an essential part of disaster preparedness and emergency response.
This means asking different questions before a crisis occurs: Are mental health systems prepared for a sudden increase in need? Who will support responders? How will vulnerable populations be reached? Which organizations need to work together, and how?
PreAct brings evidence and field experience into conversations with health systems, municipalities, government agencies, academic institutions, and community organizations. The goal is to help decision-makers understand that psychological consequences are not secondary to a disaster. They are part of its impact and therefore need to be part of the response.
By bringing mental health into preparedness planning from the beginning, PreAct advocates for systems that are better equipped to respond when crisis occurs - and to support recovery afterward.