FEMA Opens Door for Crisis Counseling
Release Date: October 3, 2005
Release Number: 1605-048
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY , Al. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $1.5 million to offer mental health counseling to help Alabama residents cope with stress and other emotional issues resulting from Hurricane Katrina.
Alabama 's Department of Mental Health estimates that hundreds of Katrina victims in 10 disaster-declared counties could benefit from crisis counseling. Added to that are an unknown number of residents of the 32 counties later added to that list, as well as evacuees to Alabama from other states affected by hurricanes.
People with disaster-related stress may call toll-free 800-367-0955 anytime, seven days a week. After 5 p.m., any messages left on the answering machine will be forwarded for the attention of after-hours staff. The Statewide Crisis Counseling at 800-832-0952 will answer calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
FEMA and state disaster officials point out that seeking emotional help is smart and practical. "While hurricane victims focus on repairing homes, they must remember that they need to rebuild their emotional strength." said Senior Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Bolch. He emphasized that this emotional stress is not mental illness.
Officials said stress and inability to cope often appear weeks or months after traumatic events. Disaster victims may experience any one or more of several emotional responses: anger, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, depression, nightmares, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity and increased use of alcohol or drug use.
Funded under FEMA's Crisis Counseling Program, "Project Rebound," is managed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health. With the federal funds, the state contracts with mental health service providers to respond to referrals made by community liaisons, police, firefighters, churches, individuals, friends, or family. The counselors will provide services in shelters, Disaster Recovery Centers, schools, state parks where temporary housing is being provided, mobile home parks, and other locations where evacuees are housed.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages the federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA initiates mitigation activities to reduce the risk of loss in future disasters. FEMA also trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 03-Oct-2005 12:25:21