What is VCRN?

WHAT WE DO

As a network of over 50 specially trained EMDR clinicians, we volunteer to respond to traumatic events that occur in Virginia and that have the capacity to overwhelm a community. Examples include but are not limited to natural disasters, violence, work-related accidents, and environmental disasters. We serve affected community members, first responders, and emergency room personnel. We also provide education to the community and first responders about the effects of traumatic stress and treatment with EMDR or early intervention protocols. VCRN is a 501(c)(3) organization. Services are provided free of charge.

REFERRALS AND DEPLOYMENTS

We receive referrals from entities such as schools, churches, local and state government, mental health and health care professionals, first responders, and other community organizations.

The decision to deploy clinicians to events may be based on the number of people impacted, injuries or casualties, disruption of normal life activities, and when events overwhelm the normal coping behaviors for people involved.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Our clinicians provide EMDR early intervention protocols. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that targets traumatic experiences, current triggers, and future challenges. This intervention may alleviate presenting symptoms, decrease distress around disturbing memories, improve one's view of self, and offer relief from bodily disturbance, with a goal of returning clients to pre-incident functioning.

COMMITMENT STATEMENT

VCRN recognizes that culture is a significant determinant of health and well-being across the lifespan. As such, we are committed to providing evidence-based, culturally responsive mental health care when our services are deployed. To support this commitment, we will engage in ongoing professional development, regularly audit policies and procedures, and work to create a diverse and inclusive membership.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

VCRN does not discriminate in its programs, services, or member selection on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

STATEMENT ON RACIAL JUSTICE

VCRN’s mission is to respond to recent traumatic events in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We acknowledge that the current social unrest due to the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor has brought racial trauma painfully to the forefront of our collective minds and hearts. The news cycle and protests across the Commonwealth demand we bear witness to deep wounds that exist within the Black community. But this is not just recent trauma; Black Virginias have experienced racial trauma for hundreds of years. VCRN stands in support of protestors calling for an end to white supremacy and seeking to dismantle the systems that maintain racial inequities. Healing trauma is central to the work of our volunteers, and we believe EMDR can be a powerful tool in the treatment of racial trauma. Preventing racial trauma is also our work. Thus we commit to relentlessly pursue racial equity in the trainings, policies, recruitment, and leadership of our organization.