🔶 Who We Are

The Delaware Behavioral & Emotional Support Team (DE BEST) is our state’s volunteer disaster mental health response team.

We provide Psychological First Aid (PFA), emotional support, and trauma-informed outreach to individuals and communities affected by crisis, disaster, or emergency. Our volunteers serve statewide — in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties — bringing compassion, calm, and care when it’s needed most.

DE BEST is proudly coordinated by the University of Delaware’s School of Nursing, in partnership with the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) and the RespondDE Medical Reserve Corps.

🧠 Training is always free — and anyone with a caring heart and a willingness to listen can make a meaningful impact.

We especially welcome mental health professionals, faith-based leaders, and experienced volunteers to join us as team members, mentors or leads.

📬 Want to get involved? Contact the DE BEST Admin Team
✅ Ready to join? Sign up at SERVDE.org

🔶 What We Do

DE BEST volunteers provide emotional support, connection, and calm during times of crisis.

Using skills grounded in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and trauma-informed care, our team members assist with:

• 🧠 Support for disaster survivors and responders

• 📚 Community preparedness and outreach

• 🧍 Peer support for staff wellness

• 🌍 Culturally aware, multilingual engagement

• 🛠️ Resource referrals and navigation

Whether deployed to a large-scale disaster or helping at a local community event, DE BEST is there to listen, comfort, and empower.

🔗 Want to learn more about what you’ll do as a volunteer?
✅ Visit our Training & Readiness Page
🎯 Ready to join DE BEST? Register now at SERVDE.org

🔶 DE BEST Activities Calendar

📅 Stay engaged, stay ready.
From onboarding sessions to community events and quarterly trainings — DE BEST volunteers are encouraged to participate throughout the year.

All official activities and opportunities are posted in our volunteer portal:

👉 View Upcoming Events

🟡 Note: You must be a registered DE BEST volunteer and logged in to view full details.

🔶 Volunteer Voices

💬 What our volunteers are saying:

“The DE BEST team has given me a way to serve my state in a meaningful way. I never thought my listening skills could make such an impact during a disaster response.”
— Anonymous Volunteer, Kent County

“Training was flexible, thorough, and eye-opening. I feel confident I can support others during a crisis — and I know I have a team behind me.”
— Mental Health Counselor, New Castle County

“Being part of DE BEST has connected me to incredible people, powerful stories, and a deeper sense of purpose.”
— Community Member & Peer Supporter, Sussex County

🎤 Have a story to share?
We’d love to feature your voice.
📧 Send your feedback to DEBESTVolunteers@gmail.com

🔶 Get Involved

You don’t need to be a clinician to help. If you have a calm presence, a willingness to listen, and a heart for service — you already have what it takes to support others in crisis.

We welcome:

• ✅ Mental health professionals

• ✅ Students in health, education, or social services

• ✅ Retirees & community members

• ✅ Faith-based and cultural community leaders

• ✅ Anyone who wants to help make Delaware more resilient

🎓 Training is flexible and free. All volunteers receive DE BEST gear and support from our leadership team.

🤝 Become a Volunteer — Sign Up at SERVDE.org
📬 Questions? Email DE BEST Admin

🔶 Stay Connected & Join the Team

🙌 Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re new to DE BEST or already on the roster, we want to keep you in the loop.

Stay engaged, stay informed, and stay connected with your team:

• 💌 Email us anytime: DEBESTVolunteers@gmail.com

• 📣 Be featured! Share your story or ask a question — we’re always listening.

• 🧵 Follow updates via Galaxy Digital & email listserv notifications

🔶 Join Today — Be the Difference

💙 Delaware needs compassionate responders. You could be one of them.

Whether you’re a trained professional or simply someone who wants to help others in times of crisis, DE BEST has a place for you. We’ll give you the tools, training, and support — you bring the heart.

🎓 Free training
🧥 Official DE BEST gear
🌐 Serve statewide – New Castle, Kent & Sussex
🙌 No clinical background required

🔗 Get Involved:

• 🖊️ Sign up as a DE BEST Volunteer
  Start your journey today through the official SERVDE platform.

• 📘 Download the Volunteer Handbook (PDF)
  Everything you need to know about being deployment-ready.

• 📆 View Volunteer Opportunities & Events
  Log in to see what’s coming up and sign up to help.