Crisis Counseling Grant Funds Approved
Release Date: March 11, 2004
Release Number: 1498-070a
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PASADENA, Calif. -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced today that the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a $1.9 million grant to the California Department of Mental Health. The grant funds were obligated for continuing crisis-counseling services for victims of the recent Southern California wildfires in the disaster-declared counties.
"Losing a home, business, or personal property to disaster takes not only a financial toll on victims, but also levies an emotional impact," said Brown. "This emotional toll on Californians devastated by the wildfires has clearly been recognized and addressed by President Bush, Secretary Ridge and Congress."
Crisis counseling can help fire victims recognize normal stress reactions and emotions caused or aggravated by the fire's toll and regain control over themselves and their environment.
"People affected by a disaster can be seriously stressed and confused by the sudden adversity in their world," said Stephen W. Mayberg, Ph.D., director of the California Department of Mental Health. "We try to keep them from being overwhelmed and empower them to regain control of their lives. No one who experiences a disaster goes untouched by it."
Common reactions to a disaster may include nightmares, difficulty sleeping, feelings of being overwhelmed, fear of the weather, anxiety about the future, difficulty making decisions, hopelessness, disappointment with outside help, headaches, increased anger or aggression, domestic violence, frustration, and feelings of powerlessness. These feelings can be exhibited by people of all ages. Children are particularly vulnerable to post-disaster stress.
A list of all 58 county crisis intervention numbers can be found on the California Department of Mental Health Web site at www.dmh.cahwnet.gov. Individuals desiring mental health services can also contact their primary care physician for a mental health services referral.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California's readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade and war-caused emergencies and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery 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: Friday, 12-Mar-2004 11:36:09