Abstract
Problem Statement This paper analyzes and addresses the health problem of post-disaster traumatic stress disorder (PDSTD) among adults in Butte County, California, affected by the November 8, 2018, Camp Fire. Approximately 20% of people exposed to traumatic stimuli will experience a prolonged trauma response and develop PTSD, an anxiety and nervous system dysregulation disorder (Mayo Clinic, 2022; American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Sidran Institute, n.d.). Natural disasters cause death, destruction, injury, and catastrophe- they are traumatic events. Residing in Butte during and after the fire, even if not directly injured or displaced, has had lasting impacts because it irrevocably altered the infrastructure and social systems everyone depends upon. A recent small-sample study conducted on survivors of the Camp Fire found that one in five individuals surveyed had experienced PTSD (Silveira et al., 2021). Trauma and mental health are inextricably linked (Magruder et al., 2017). By analyzing post-trauma exposure mental health outcomes in Butte County, we can gain insight into the prevalence of PTSD. According to the 2022 County Health Rankings, the suicide rate in Butte County is twice the state rate, at 20 deaths per 100,000 individuals. Additionally, a higher percentage of Butte County adults (24.1%) have ever seriously considered suicide compared to the state rate of 12.9% (Enloe Medical Center, 2022). It is important to note that individuals with PTSD have a sixfold increased risk of suicidality or suicidal thoughts and behaviors (Sayed et al., 2015). Therefore, addressing PTSD in the aftermath of the Camp Fire is crucial to preventing further harm to Butte County residents' mental health and well-being (County Health Rankings, 2022; Sayed et al., 2015)..
Analysis A multi-phase problem analysis utilizing the Social Ecological Model revealed the salient risk factors contributing to PDSTD development in the community at each ecological level. The most relevant and changeable factors intrapersonal factors are knowledge and the use of stress management techniques and skills to regulate the nervous system. Interpersonal factors include active social support seeking and giving. At the community level, the factors include community cohesion and empowerment through collaboration. Lastly, important factors at the social/ policy level include community access to funding and aid resources.
Intervention Proposal Butte Builds is a multi-level community-based program intervention designed to mitigate the effects of trauma from the 2018 Camp Fire and comprises four primary activities. These include coalition development to unite stakeholders and pool resources; a public awareness campaign to destigmatize mental health support and enhance community cohesion; Seeds of Hope, featuring nature-based self-empowerment workshops to provide psychoeducation on nervous systems regulation techniques and skills; and Let’s Get Together, a series of community events to foster connection and enjoyment. These multifaceted activities target intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and social determinants to achieve the program's goals. With objectives ranging from reducing PTSD symptoms to enhancing community connections, Butte Builds aims to create a resilient, supportive environment that restores connection and cultivates mental well-being for the residents of Butte County.