Social workers a key part of disaster recovery, says Dalhousie prof

Social workers are essential in providing support to individuals dealing with trauma after a disaster, according to Jeff Karabanow, a professor of social work at Dalhousie University. Karabanow recently participated in a two-day conference in Halifax that brought together scholars from Canada and around the world to discuss responses to climate change and disasters.

“Disasters often have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations,” Karabanow explained during a panel discussion on the role of social work in climate disaster planning and supporting society’s most vulnerable. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that disasters not only have immediate effects but also require a significant recovery period.

The conference, hosted by Dalhousie University, attracted international scholars from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan, Japan, and South Korea. Haorui Wu, an associate professor at Dalhousie whose research focuses on disaster preparedness and recovery, highlighted the need for global collaboration in addressing disasters that transcend geographic boundaries.

One key topic discussed at the conference was the inclusion of animals in disaster planning. While there is some research on preparing pets for disasters, Wu noted a lack of comprehensive plans for agricultural animals.

Karabanow pointed out that Nova Scotia could improve its proactive support for vulnerable populations before disasters strike. He shared an example from Japan, where social workers have implemented a preventative model of case management to assist people in disaster-prone areas. This approach involves building a support network around individuals with specific needs, such as mobility issues, to ensure their safety during emergencies.

Wu emphasized the importance of researchers collaborating to address climate change and disasters effectively. He noted that Nova Scotia’s experience with wildfires and storms could provide valuable insights for other regions facing similar challenges.

In conclusion, the conference underscored the critical role of social workers in disaster response and recovery efforts. By sharing knowledge and best practices on a global scale, experts can better prepare communities to mitigate the impact of future disasters.