Supporting Those Who Serve: ADRA International’s Commitment to Staff Mental Health
by Weanne Estrada-Magbanua, Mental Health Specialist, ADRA International
Humanitarian work is a calling that places individuals on the front lines of crises, offering aid and hope to those in need. For those guided by Christian principles, this mission of service embodies the teachings of Christ, who called on His followers to alleviate suffering and promote dignity. However, in their compassion for those suffering from a crisis, humanitarian workers may neglect their own needs, leading to high levels of stress. The proximity to disasters, violence, or loss of life leaves humanitarian workers with the tension of coping with their own fears and grief while also supporting others who are directly impacted by traumatic events. A recent study of 618 international humanitarian aid workers deployed in 27 countries reported that 76% of participants were exposed to potentially traumatic events, 1 while other studies found the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in this population to range from 19-40%. 2-5
Recognizing the importance of protecting the well-being of its humanitarian workers and emergency responders, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA International), which deploys an average of 25 staff to disasters and emergencies worldwide each year, developed a comprehensive strategy to support the mental health of their staff.
THE ADRA MHPSS STRATEGY FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE WORKERS
The Strategy for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Emergency Response Workers Deployed by ADRA International aims to enhance ADRA’s capacities to protect the mental health and well-being of its humanitarian personnel. Developed jointly by its Emergency Management Unit, Health, Nutrition, and WASH Unit, and Human Resources Department, the strategy aligns with global MHPSS best practice guidelines and outlines specific staff care protocols to promote positive coping mechanisms and mitigate psychosocial stressors across the emergency response timeline.
Pre-Deployment (Select and Prepare): To ensure the mental readiness of workers deployment, ADRA provides mandatory courses on frontline worker wellbeing in addition to pre-deployment briefings and resilience orientations with staff. Staff are encouraged to perform a self-assessment of their current mental capacity and suitability for the post and create their own personalized self-care plan. They are provided access to free, confidential counseling services throughout deployment with therapists and counselors specializing in humanitarian and crisis work. To promote an enabling environment, field supervisors are also trained in psychological first aid, mental support protocols, and basic psychosocial support.
Deployment (Monitor and Support): During deployment, ADRA fosters a safe environment where staff can openly discuss their feelings and experiences as the emergency response unfolds. Field supervisors conduct regular support sessions and check-ins with their teams, and accommodations are provided for staff to carry out their self-care plans, including time for exercise, rest, and relaxation. To monitor for signs and symptoms of distress, staff are encouraged to complete ongoing self-assessments for burnout, trauma, and compassion fatigue.
Post-Deployment (Debrief and Process): Following the conclusion of their assignment, staff members participate in an individual operational debrief where they discuss the personal and professional impact of their assignment and are recognized for their contributions. They are provided access to tools that can help them adjust to life post-deployment; this includes access to resource guides and specialized counseling services.
“This strategy is crucial because it acknowledges the psychological toll that emergency response work can take on our staff,” says Mario Oliveira, Director of ADRA International’s Emergency Management Unit. “By prioritizing their mental health, we not only protect our staff but also ensure that they can deliver the highest quality of care to those in need, even in the most challenging situations.”
In an era where crises and emergencies are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, the well-being of those who respond to these challenges cannot be overlooked. There is a clear call to action for humanitarian organizations to develop and operationalize similar strategies to support their workers, safeguarding their mental health and enhancing the overall effectiveness of emergency responses. ADRA International remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering this culture of care and support, recognizing the invaluable contributions of frontline responders and committing to their ongoing well-being as they courageously serve communities in times of crisis.
References:
- De Jong K, Martinmäki SE, Te Brake H, Haagen JFG, Kleber RJ. Mental and physical health of international humanitarian aid workers on short-term assignments: Findings from a prospective cohort study. Soc Sci Med. 2021 Sep;285:114268. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114268. Epub 2021 Aug 4. PMID: 34365073.
- Ager A, Pasha E, Yu G, Duke T, Eriksson C, Cardozo BL. Stress, mental health, and burnout in national humanitarian aid workers in Gulu, northern Uganda. J Trauma Stress. 2012 Dec;25(6):713-20. doi: 10.1002/jts.21764. PMID: 23225036.
- Connorton E, Perry M, Hemenway D, Miller M. Humanitarian relief workers and trauma-related mental illness. Epidemiol Rev. 2012 Jan;34(1):145-55. https://doi.org/10.1093/epirev/mxr026
- Strohmeier H, Scholte WF, Ager A. Factors associated with common mental health problems of humanitarian workers in South Sudan. PLoS One. 2018 Oct 31;13(10):e0205333. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205333. PMID: 30379909; PMCID: PMC6209176.
- Cardozo BL, Crawford C, Petit P, Ghitis F, Sivilli TI, Scholte WF, Ager A, Eriksson C. Factors affecting mental health of local staff working in the Vanni Region, Sri Lanka. Psychol Trauma. 2013 Nov;5(6):581-590. doi: 10.1037/a0030969. Epub 2013 Feb 11. PMID: 27099648; PMCID: PMC4834541.