Healing Joplin
Vicky L. Mieseler, MS
March 21, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

On May 22, 2011 the town of Joplin, MO was struck by the fourth deadliest tornado in US history. The most important part of the disaster story began at 6:05 p.m., when winds died to a breeze and hail no longer fell. From beneath the impossible amount of rubble, chunks of plaster, boards, and shingles, a shifting began and people, battered and bruised, rose up out of shattered homes and businesses to face the devastation that would, for a time, dampen their spirits. This story is the mental health response to Joplin, provided by the local community mental health center – Ozark Center – that was also battered and bruised. Ms. Mieseler will share how Ozark Center helped meet the community’s mental health needs, how technology was instrumental in the response, and the lessons learned by all.

Vicky Mieseler has been a licensed psychologist since 1993 and employed by Ozark Center in Joplin for 27 years. She serves as vice president of clinical services and is responsible for nearly 300 clinicians providing community crisis response services; adult substance abuse services; children’s psychiatric, trauma, and residential services; and the Ozark Center for Autism.  She was responsible to develop and implement the mental health disaster response for the citizens of Joplin following the May tornado.