(Washington, DC) The DC Department of Mental Health and Project DC have completed the first part of Discovering Resilience, an innovative campaign that trains community members to cope with crises. From terrorist attacks and threats of biohazardous weapons to gang violence and natural disasters such as hurricanes, snowstorms, and even earthquakes, Discovering Resilience participants are being taught how to deal with the ever-changing climate in Washington, DC.

“Everyone has resilience in them, and we want to show people how to develop this inner strength. The workshops are a great opportunity for us to reach out to members of the community and empower them to make positive changes in their lives,” said DMH Director Martha B. Knisley.

Eight hundred parents, teachers, recreation leaders, and children have already completed training in mental preparedness and resilience. By the end of January, Project DC plans to train a total of 1,200 DC residents who have volunteered for the program.

The free Discovering Resilience workshop series teaches strategies for approaching both emergency situations and everyday challenges, and how to bounce back from both. The workshop groups also “train the trainers” to spread these skills throughout the community to create a growing base of strength and knowledge about how to utilize community resources and return to normal in times of crisis.

About Project DC

Project DC is a Department of Mental Health community-based disaster recovery support program established after the Sept. 11 terror attacks and the 2001 anthrax contaminations. It is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and guided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). For more information about the Department of Mental Health, please visit our website.