Disaster Crisis Counseling Available In 10 Mississippi Counties
Release Date: May 19, 2003
Release Number: 1459-25
» More Information on Mississippi Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Jackson, MS -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a Crisis Counseling Immediate Services grant application by the State of Mississippi to pay for free counseling services in 10 Mississippi counties. The program is aimed at assisting those who had their lives thrown into disarray and confusion by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, April 6th through 25th.
The 10 counties in which residents are eligible to participate in the program are: Clarke, Hinds, Lauderdale, Lincoln, Madison, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Warren and Yazoo.
"Disaster stress is a normal reaction when people are uprooted, suffer the loss of precious personal possessions, and are traumatized by the ferocity of severe weather," said Leon Shaifer, the state official in charge of disaster recovery. "Counseling enables them to regain control of their lives."
Children and the elderly are special concerns following a major disaster. Counselors visit schools, neighborhood meetings, shopping centers, and faith communities to listen and help those in need.
"FEMA recognizes that disasters cause emotional and psychological trauma as well as the physical devastation seen by the eye," said Carlos Mitchell of FEMA, the official in charge of federal recovery operations. "We fund crisis counseling to help people recover from all aspects of the harmful effects of a disaster."
For counseling assistance call the Mississippi Department of Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-210-8513, or contact your local county department of mental health.
Last Modified: Monday, 19-May-2003 10:18:34