Crisis Counseling Hotline Number Established for Florida Counties
Release Date: September 30, 2004
Release Number: 1545-071
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Funding for Florida’s 67 hurricane and flood-stricken counties deemed eligible for federal and state crisis counseling may set a new national record for a natural disaster under this grant program.
“There is no greater human need than psychological first aid for the many distraught citizens who have endured so much in so little time,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Carwile, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Counseling can be given over the phone, face-to-face at various locations, or through home visits. Crisis counselors are also present, or may be reached at many of the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers.
“The effects of dealing with four hurricanes within 44 days may be relieved in many cases simply by having someone listen and be empathic,” said State Coordinating Officer Craig Fugate, State Emergency Response Team (SERT).
The counselors offer assistance with issues such as mental well being, stress, and depression related to the major hurricanes.
For anyone interested, the Hotline number to call is 1-866-518-1825
To date, the FEMA crisis counseling grant for Hurricane Charley totals $1,127,500. The Frances grant totals $714,664.
The program is financed through FEMA and administered by the state. In Florida, crisis counseling began with a base of DCF staff and has been expanded to include numerous groups with whom the state contracts to provide counseling.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is in the process of preparing a grant for Ivan. FEMA review and approval is expected by the end of September. An application for Hurricane Jeanne is also forthcoming. Funding details will be released when paperwork is processed. Counselors and mental health professionals have also begun assisting citizens in counties hit hard by Hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne using existing resources.
State staff, the Red Cross, the Florida Interface Networking in Disasters (FIND), canine relief personnel and other groups have daily conference calls to make certain everyone connected with the counseling work is up to date on what is transpiring and what is needed.
The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is a collaboration of Florida’s emergency management agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT’s mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impact. Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org for the latest information on the hurricane relief efforts.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 30-Sep-2004 11:53:53