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GXC 2025 Online Virtual Conference - Mental Health Without Borders

Integrating Psychiatric and Emergency Services: A Systems-Based Approach to Behavioral Health Access and Crisis Response

Nathan Koranda DNP, PMHNP-BC 🇺🇸
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Date & Time

Description

This session will describe the development, implementation, and early outcomes of a first responder Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and mental health training program in Arusha, Tanzania. In Tanzania, where formal EMS systems are limited, police and fire personnel often act as first responders to both physical trauma and mental health crises but typically have little to no formal training in EMS or mental health support. The presentation will provide context on the burden of trauma globally and the specific challenges in Tanzania. It will explain the rationale for embedding mental health into first responder training and describe the development of a curriculum that integrates EMS topics with mental health components such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use, and peer support. The session will share data collected using mental health screening tools, case studies, and lessons learned from adapting the program to local needs. Attendees will also hear about the role of local and national government in supporting these efforts and future plans for expansion.

Educational Goal

This presentation will enhance participants’ understanding of trauma-informed psychiatric care across emergency and community-based settings. Attendees will gain insights into integrated, evidence-based approaches that improve access, coordination, and outcomes for individuals with complex behavioral health needs, especially within underserved populations.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the mental health care challenges facing first responders in low-resource settings such as Tanzania.

  • Summarize the development and content of a culturally adapted EMS and mental health training program for police and fire personnel.

  • Interpret mental health outcomes data from first responder trainees and explain its relevance.

  • Identify strategies for expanding EMS and mental health training programs through local partnerships and government collaboration.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Nathan Koranda DNP, PMHNP-BC 🇺🇸
Mental health leader with more than a decade of experience advancing access to psychiatric care for youth, underserved populations, and first responders. Demonstrated success in leading nonprofit, clinical, and international programs focused on trauma, equity, and community resilience. As Executive Director and Co-Founder of KOPI, Nathan has directed international initiatives in Tanzania to train first responders, police, and firefighters in prehospital emergency medicine and mental health, partnering with the Ministry of Health, Duke University, The University of Iowa, and global collaborators. He has also advanced deflection initiatives in the United States and partnered with colleagues in Italy and Kenya to strengthen international approaches to addiction and mental health. His career reflects a unique blend of experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and former paramedic, with a strong record of innovation, partnership-building, and strategic program development across global and domestic contexts. Dedicated to sustainable solutions, he continues to expand system-level access to care and improve long-term mental health outcomes. Degrees and Licenses Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health – University of Minnesota Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Bemidji State University Associate of Science in Nursing – North Hennepin Community College Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic – Waubonsee Community College Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), American Nurses Credentialing Center Registered Nurse and Certified Nurse Practitioner, Minnesota Board of Nursing

Financially Sponsored By

  • GXC Events - The Global Exchange Conference