[Federal Register: April 3, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 64)]
[Notices]               
[Page 16504-16505]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03ap98-67]

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FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

 
Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency.


[[Page 16505]]


ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: FEMA gives notice that the extension period for the Minnesota 
regular crisis counseling program for disaster survivors of Polk County 
is extended from 90 days to 180 days. The severity of the emotional 
trauma resulting from the floods warrants an extension of an additional 
90 days.

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 16, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diana Nordboe, Human Services 
Division, Response and Recovery Directorate, Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646-
4026.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Emergency Management Agency 
(FEMA) is charged with coordinating Federal disaster assistance under 
the provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (the Act) when the President has declared a major 
disaster. FEMA provided funding for a regular crisis counseling program 
to help those suffering the trauma resulting from the April 1997 
floods.
    FEMA received a request from the State of Minnesota to extend the 
otherwise applicable time limitations authorized by section 416 of the 
Act, so that the State can provide additional mental health services 
that are critically needed for citizens during the recovery operation. 
The extent of the emotional impact on the citizens of Polk County is of 
such magnitude that continuation of disaster mental health counseling 
beyond the normal crisis counseling time period is necessary.
    The Director, Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), as the 
delegate to FEMA for the Secretary, Department of Health and Human 
Services, helps FEMA implement crisis counseling training and 
assistance. FEMA believes there was a well-established need for 
continuation of the regular crisis counseling program beyond a 90-day 
extension. Based upon the sound CMHS recommendation, FEMA has approved 
a 180-day extension to the time period for the Minnesota regular crisis 
counseling program in Polk County.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 83.516, Disaster 
Assistance)
Lacy Suiter,
Executive Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 98-8804 Filed 4-2-98; 8:45 am]
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