Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Victims and Responders to the Boston Marathon Bombings

Abstract

The response to the Boston Marathon bombings demonstrated the value of networks and collaborative practices in many ways. Although three people died at the scene, all of the remaining injured survived due to the extraordinary care provided by primary care providers, hospitals, ambulance services, other first responders, and citizens. This was also a disaster in which effective mental health care was provided from the start by networks of local, state, and federal organizations and continued for the victims, responders, and the community. It demonstrated the value of integrated behavioral responses as a critical component of all disaster and terrorist attack planning and services. This case study highlights the roles of the agencies involved in the initial response to the attack.