Chronically Ill in an Emergency: Why Mental Health Matters

The University of Copenhagen is the oldest University in Denmark - founded in 1479, and with over 38,000 students and more than 9,000 employees. The purpose of the University is to conduct research and provide education to the highest academic level. Based in Denmark's capital city it is one of the top research institutions in Europe.

Danish Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, which is the world’s largest humanitarian network with 17 million volunteers in 192 countries. Danish Red Cross has 120 local branches in Denmark conducting first aid, social and psychosocial activities throughout the country with the support of 32.0000 volunteers and operates a number of asylum centres for refugees in Denmark. Internationally, Danish Red Cross supports Red Cross Red Crescent societies throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East to implement emergency and development programmes (disaster management, community based health and psychosocial support, youth and humanitarian diplomacy).

The Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support (PS Centre) works under the framework of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), and supports National Societies in promoting and enabling the psychosocial well-being of beneficiaries, staff and volunteers. Its overall objective is to assist the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement to: create awareness regarding psychosocial reactions at a time of disaster or long-term social disruption; set up and improve preparedness and response mechanisms at global, regional and local levels; promote the resilience and thereby the rehabilitation of individuals and communities; restore community networks and coping mechanisms; enhance emotional assistance to staff and volunteers; and facilitate psychosocial support before, during and after disasters.