From natural disasters to mental health struggles, no one wants to face hardships in their life, but it’s best to be prepared in case of crisis. Many companies create crisis plans for their businesses, plotting out how they’ll respond to disasters, negative press, or revenue dips. But are you planning how you’ll help prepare your employees to handle crises? 

Our partner Americares is an expert at responding to disasters. Americares helps people and communities around the world access health in times of disaster and every day. From major hurricanes and earthquakes to wildfires, Americares has a track record of responding in the wake of natural catastrophes, listening to local communities to meet their immediate and long-term health needs. But even in non-emergency contexts, Americares plays a crucial role, helping communities adapt to climate change and providing mental health support as part of their health programming. 

Americares knows how important it is for your company and your employees to be prepared to face anything, from large-scale crises to personal hardships. That’s why they offer a host of resources you can share with your workforce to help them prepare in their daily lives for disasters. These resources could be a great way to honor Mental Health Awareness Month in May or National Preparedness Month in September, or as a way to connect with Employee Resource Groups at your organization that are focused on mental health, parenthood, the environment, or other areas. 

Consider sharing the checklists below with your employees as a simple first step, or pair these with a lunch and learn from Americares to learn more about how they help communities worldwide.  

Engagement Offering: Resources for your workforce 

Extreme weather preparedness 
Respiratory illness triggered by wildfire smoke, heart problems worsened by heat waves, and infections spread by flood waters: The effects of climate change are here, and we all need to adapt. These health challenges call for a change in the way we respond. And when it comes to adapting, Americares is leading the way. 

Americares develops innovative global programming that addresses the health impacts of climate change. They work directly with health providers and clinic staff serving vulnerable patients on the front lines of the climate crisis to co-create solutions that give them the information, resources, and plans to be ready the next time extreme weather strikes. 

Americares’ climate resilience work is informed by decades of experience preparing communities with disaster-risk reduction training and disaster-preparedness boot camps, responding to climate-related emergencies, and helping communities recover from major hurricanes and other extreme weather events. 

In an era of increasing climate change and natural disasters, safeguarding your home and loved ones is more crucial than ever. Americares’ comprehensive guides offer vital tips and actionable steps to help your employees prepare for extreme weather.  

Mental health 
In disaster-stricken communities, where houses and hospitals are destroyed and lives are lost, the impact extends beyond physical damage. Trauma and stress ripple through the community, hitting health workers particularly hard. Addressing mental and physical health together is imperative, as long-term consequences linger even after the crisis wanes. 

Americares steps up by building capacity, training, technical advice, and clinical care to meet this global challenge. Furthermore, their reach extends beyond emergencies — they’re dedicated to supporting clinics and health care workers worldwide, with a special focus on those serving uniquely vulnerable populations. 

Americares tries to find solutions that fit the needs of every community: 

  • In North Carolina (since 2024), after Hurricane Helene, Americares provided mental health support immediately after the storm and continues to support first responders and local health organizations. 
  • In response to the war in Ukraine (since 2022), Americares supports local organizations who lead the way in providing mental health care for their own communities. 
  • In India (ongoing), Americares’ mobile health centers provide care, including mental health support, at nearly 300 locations. 
  • In Puerto Rico (ongoing), Americares’ local team increases access to medicine for low-income patients and helps clinics better prepare for emergencies and improve health services, including mental health care access for patients and health care workers across the island. 

Americares’ guides offer actionable tips for your employees to work on managing their own mental health and stress levels. 

  • 5 Steps to Calm: Creating a personalized plan to manage anxiety and stress involves a combination of strategies that cater to your unique needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help you develop an effective plan. 
  • 5 Steps to Prioritize Your Mental Health at Work: Knowing how to support your mental health will help you in any crisis. It’s an important part of self care. Here are some tips Americares experts provide to communities in crisis all over the world. 

Explore the impact

Americares staff members train teachers in mental health through a training program titled “Emotional Management and Intervention Tools for Teachers and School Communities in Emergency Situations and Disasters” at the José R. Barreras School in Morovis, Puerto Rico, in 2023. Teachers and school staff play crucial roles in their communities, especially in the aftermath of disasters, being among the first to directly address students’ emotional needs while dealing with their losses and stress. Topics in the training include psychological first aid for children and adolescents, mental health terminology and disaster phases, gender-based violence awareness, and self care for teachers and school personnel. 

Need help?   
Global Impact can help your company connect with Americares and bring these important conversations to your workplace. From hosting speakers to sharing free resources with your ERGs, we’ll help you foster a culture of compassion, awareness, and impact. 

Let us help you inspire greater giving and foster a culture of social responsibility within your organization. Reach out today to get started!