Abstract

On 20th and 29th of May 2012, two strong earthquakes and powerful aftershocks hit the Emilia region. In the territory of Modena, the local health authority decided to organize psychological and organizational support initiatives for the general population and healthcare workers (Hcws). In particular, in August 2012 a support program was started in order to help the Hcws to return to damaged workplaces. This initiative, supported by the local health authority management, provided counselling group sessions aimed to allow affected Hcws to share their earthquake experience and to increase their resilience. In addition, a survey conducted in collaboration with the Department of Psychology and the Department of Science Education of the University of Bologna studied the impact of the earthquake on the general population and the affected Hcws' coping strategies.