Abstract:

Title: Disaster Mental Health and Resilience Training Data – Southwest Alabama (2017–2019) Abstract: This dataset was generated by Lifelines Counseling Services through a Gulf Research Program-funded capacity-building project (Grant #200008149) conducted from 2017 to 2019 across Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Alabama. The project aimed to improve disaster preparedness and community resilience through evidence-based mental health training, trauma treatment certification, and the development of a cross-sector disaster response network. What: Data were collected from community training evaluations, trauma treatment certification processes, stakeholder interviews, and disaster preparedness workshops. Data types include participant demographics, training outcomes, certification status, organizational assessments, and qualitative feedback from coalition-building activities. Where: Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Alabama, United States. Partner sites included schools, universities, community organizations, VOAD groups, and social service agencies. Why: To strengthen community resilience in a disaster-prone region by increasing the availability of trauma-informed care, suicide prevention education, and cross-boundary disaster response coordination. Data collection supported program evaluation, systems improvement, and sustainability planning. How: Through a series of evidence-based trainings (QPR, Mental Health First Aid, TF-CBT), structured needs assessments, participant surveys, pre/post evaluations, interviews with community stakeholders, and attendance records from disaster workshops. Academic partnerships and clinical supervision supported quality assurance. When: Data were collected continuously from July 2017 to August 2019, aligning with the grant period and project implementation timeline. Data Contributors: Lifelines Counseling Services, University of South Alabama, Healthcare Ready, Gulf Coast Behavioral Health & Resiliency Center, VOAD, and other community stakeholders. Funded By: Gulf Research Program, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine – Capacity Building Grant (#200008149)