Hill Country MHDD Centers help people gain control of their lives through behavioral health care, disability support, substance use care, and crisis services.
Sponsor:
Natural Hazards Center, Health and Extreme Weather Research
Investigators:
Dr. Elizabeth Ekren (PI), Dr. Erica Nason, Dr. Kelly Clary, Lauren Lee, Dr. Kayla G. Morales
Research Pillar(s):
Problem
In July 2025, a rare flood caused widespread damage across the Guadalupe River Basin in Kerr County, Texas. In response, hundreds of volunteers—many with deep personal connections to the region—stepped forward to support organized response and recovery efforts. While this work played a critical role in helping communities recover, it also placed volunteers in emotionally intense and, at times, traumatic situations. Volunteers are essential to coordinated frontline operations, yet less is known about how they process these experiences, sustain their well-being, and build the resilience needed to continue serving their communities.
Solution
With the collaboration of established organizations providing requested support for flood recovery efforts, this project documents volunteers’ experiences after the July 2025 Central Texas flood and explores how they process, cope, adapt, and make meaning from their work over time. Findings will support practical, evidence-informed approaches to better prepare and care for volunteers in future response efforts.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Local partnerships that inform, guide, and strengthen community-responsive research.
Hill Country MHDD Logo
Hill Country MHDD Centers
Texas Seaerch and Rescue Logo
Texas Search and Rescue
TEXSAR is a nonprofit organization that responds to official requests for specialized search, rescue, and recovery services.
