Crisis Counseling Available For Disaster Victims
Release Date: October 24, 2000
Release Number: 1345-15
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Miami, FL -- People in South Florida who have suffered losses or had their lives disrupted by the early October rains and flooding will be able to get free crisis counseling to help alleviate their emotional stress, disaster officials announced today.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the State of Florida's request for an $88,707 grant to pay for 60 days of crisis counseling services. The grant will provide screening, diagnostic services, and counseling for disaster victims at their request.
It is not necessary to be registered for assistance from FEMA to obtain counseling. Individuals may request the services through the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-525-0321 or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments. Those lines are open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.Stress, trauma, depression, and lapses into drug or alcohol dependency are not unusual consequences of being subjected to the upheaval of a disaster.
State Coordinating Officer Joe Myers emphasized, "Disaster victims are not mentally ill. They are ordinary people who have suddenly had their worlds turned upside down by an unexpected calamity. We provide these services to keep them from being overwhelmed by the experience and to regain control of their lives."
Justo Hernandez, federal coordinating officer for recovery, said, "Children and the elderly are special concerns in the aftermath of disasters. The crisis counseling program includes community outreach, consultation, and education."
Counties that will be offering the counseling are Broward and Miami-Dade.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 12-Nov-2003 14:53:00