Registration Guidelines

General Information

 

To help improve and streamline coordinated support efforts for survivors and their communities in the aftermath of a mass violence incident, the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) and the Global Center for AI in Mental Health at the University at Albany have partnered to offer Disaster Mental Health Preparedness Trainings (DMHPT) to victim service professionals from OVS-funded organizations.

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Each training cohort will provide attendees without advanced mental health training the ability to learn to provide basic psychosocial support, such as Psychological First Aid, while also learning self-care skills that will enable them to handle their own professional stressors. Specific course topics will also focus on adapting to the needs of different victim populations, and on providing culturally competent care that takes into consideration the worldviews and lived experiences of those served. For more information, including access to a full course catalog, please visit the OVS Disaster Mental Health Preparedness Training website.

 

Registration Information

 

Registration for each Disaster Mental Health Preparedness Training is limited to staff from OVS-funded organizations equipped (or preparing to be equipped) to respond to a mass violence incident. Regional trainings will be split into four courses offerings with the target audience indicated for each below: 

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• Supervisor (supervisors, directors and leaders from organizations equipped to respond to a mass violence incident)

• Basic (newer victim advocates from organizations equipped to respond to a mass violence incident)

• Scenario (simulation exercise for trainees who successfully complete a supervisor or basic course)

• Refresher (follow-up for trainees who successfully complete a supervisor, basic, and/or scenario course)
   

Space is limited to between 40 and 120 participants per cohort, depending on location and training type. Registration is processed online via the OVS Disaster Mental Health Preparedness Training website and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee for participation is $50.00 per participant and will cover course materials and administrative expenses.

 

Location and Lodging

 

Disaster Mental Health Preparedness Training cohorts will be held in various locations across New York State, including but not limited to Albany, Manhattan, Oriskany, and Buffalo. Participants are responsible for securing their own transportation and lodging for each event. Visit the Logistics page of this website for more information, including conveniently located lodging recommendations.

 

Meals

 

Information about meals can be found on the Agenda page of this website. Dietary restrictions must be noted at the time of registration. 

 

Participant Requirements

 

As each Disaster Mental Health Preparedness Training is a limited-capacity event, participants will be required to be present for each training day(s).

 

Reimbursement Eligibility

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OVS grantees are allowed to charge travel-related training expenses to an OVS-funded grant IF funds are available on that grant. To have travel, lodging and limited meal expenditures reimbursed by OVS, eligible attendees MUST contact their OVS Contract Management Specialist PRIOR to incurring any expense. In addition, only individuals in Travel Status will be eligible for travel-related reimbursements.

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Cancelation Policy

 

Training cancelations will only be permitted until 14 calendar days prior to the first day of each cohort. Cancelations made within 14 days are non-refundable. Substitutions are not allowed as registrants who have been waitlisted will be given preference in filling any cancelation vacancy. To cancel your ticket, please go to your Eventbrite confirmation email, scroll down and select "view and manage your order online" - from there you will be able to request a cancelation of your ticket. 

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Room reservations are subject to terms outlined by the hotel booked. OVS is not responsible for rooms booked and left unused in the event of cancellation.

 

ADA Reasonable Accommodations

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If you require specific ADA accommodations to fully participate in this event, this information must be submitted according to the OVS Reasonable Accommodation guidelines at least 10 business days before the start of the event. Additional information on how to follow this process can be found at ovs.ny.gov/ada.

 

For more information or if you have questions about the registration process, please email training@ovs.ny.gov or call (518) 485-0637. For information on whether registration, lodging and transportation costs are reimbursable under your specific grant, please reach out to your OVS Contract Management Specialist.