FEMA Approves Stress Counseling Grants Following Iowa Disasters 

Release Date: August 1, 2008
Release Number: 1763-129

» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved grants for the state of Iowa totaling $350,855 for a program to help reach out to tornado and flood victims coping with disaster-related stress.

"It's been more than a month since our state was struck by historic flooding and severe weather. And though the flood waters may have receded, the mental anguish and distress remain for thousands of Iowans," said Gov. Chet Culver. "As Governor, I am committed to returning life to normal in those communities affected, and that is why I encourage Iowans to reach out to the Project Recovery Iowa mental health program."

The $350,855 in grant funding for Project Recovery Iowa includes $259,527 approved last week for 26 Iowa counties with a presidential disaster declaration.

"We see a real need to reach out to Iowans whose lives and emotions were shattered by the recent disasters," said Dr. Allen Parks, Mental Health & Disability Services Administrator of the Iowa Department of Human Services. "It's very common for people who suffer loss to experience feelings of sadness, anger and helplessness well after the crisis. They may even have trouble with routine activities. It's important for them to know that help is available and easily accessible."

Under the state's Project Recovery Iowa program, administered by the Iowa Department of Human Services, the state has contracted with seven community agencies to provide stress-counseling services.

Pathways Behavioral Services is the agency for Bremer, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw and Floyd counties; Abbe Center for Benton, Jones and Linn counties; ResCare Inc. for Des Moines, Lee, Louisa, Mahaska and Wapello; Backbone Area Counseling Center for Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Fayette and Winneshiek counties; Waubonsie Mental Health Clinic for Adams, Fremont, Mills Page and Union counties; Mid-Eastern Iowa Mental Health Center for Cedar and Johnson counties; and Mental Health Clinic of Tama County for Jasper and Tama counties.

Another $91,328 had been approved in June for Black Hawk, Buchanan and Butler counties, where Pathway Behavioral Services is the Project Recovery provider.

"The effects of these floods will be felt for months and years to come, both physically and emotionally," said Lt. Gov. Judge. "As a state, we must continue to work together to help those who have been affected heal the wounds of this disaster, and that is why this program is so important."

Individuals seeking crisis-counseling assistance will be able to contact one of the participating agencies directly. They may also call the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985, a call center operated by the Iowa State University Extension Outreach. The hotline will take initial calls from any individual seeking help statewide and provide further information about Project Recovery Iowa or counseling assistance. The hotline may direct them to the appropriate crisis counseling provider serving their county.

Abbe Center
520 11th St., Cedar Rapids
319-398-3562

Backbone Area Counseling Center
709 W. Main, Manchester
563-927-7330

Mid-Eastern Iowa Community
Mental Health Center
507 East College St., Iowa City
319-338-7884

Pathways Behavioral Services
3362 University Ave., Waterloo
319-235-6571

ResCare
301 W. Burlington Ave., Fairfield
641-472-1684

Mental Health Clinic of Tama County
1306 S. Broadway, Toledo
641-484-5234

Waubonsie Mental Health Center
1800 N. 16th St., Clarinda
712-542-2388

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Friday, 01-Aug-2008 16:39:51