Counseling Is Widely Available For Disaster-Related Stress
Release Date: August 6, 2003
Release Number: 1474-86
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- West Virginia has sustained serious storms resulting in a federally-declared disaster every year for the last three years. Mental health officials believe residents who have been affected by the recent storms and flooding could benefit from counseling at Community Mental Health Centers situated throughout the declared counties.
Repeated exposure to stress, such as a natural disaster, is a reason to seek help, even if you have no recognizable symptoms. Common warning signs may be as simple as irritability, flashes of anger, low energy, or a feeling of sadness. These moods and actions may not be traced back to the disaster. According to Faith Stuart of the Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities, "Stress may be having an effect if people experience any of these reactions." If you decide to seek help, you may call the center nearest you from the list below:
| County | Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley | EastRidge CMHC | 235 S. Water St./Martinsburg | 304-263-8954 |
| Boone | Prestera/Advantage Valley CMHC | 2 Human Services Dr./Danville | 304-369-1930 |
| Cabell | Prestera CMHC | 3375 US Route 60 East/Huntington | 800-642-3434 |
| Doddridge | United Summit CMHC | Old Smithburg School/Smithburg | 304-873-2233 |
| Harrison | United Summit CMHC | 6 Hospital Plaza/Clarksburg | 304-623-5661 |
| Kanawha | Prestera/Advantage Valley CMHC | 511 Morris St./Charleston | 304-341-0251 |
| Lincoln | Prestera CMHC | 25 Lincoln Plaza/Branchland | 304-824-5790 |
| Logan | Logan-Mingo CMHC | Route 10, Three Mile Curve/Logan | 304-792-7130 |
| Marion | Marion Valley CMCH | 28 Oakwood Road/Fairmont | 304-366-7174 |
| Mason | Prestera CMHC | 715 Main St./Point Pleasant | 304-675-2361 |
| McDowell | Southern Highlands CMHC | 787 Virginia Ave./Welch | 304-436-2106 |
| Mingo | Logan-Mingo CMHC | Buffalo Creek Rd./Chattaroy | 304-235-2954 |
| Monongalia | Monongalia Valley CMHC | 301 Scott Ave./Morgantown | 304-296-1731 |
| Nicholas | Seneca CMHC | #1 Stevens Rd./Summersville | 304-872-2659 |
| Preston | Preston Valley CMHC | 202 Tunnelton St./Kingwood | 304-329-1059 |
| Putnam | Prestera CMHC | To be established | 800-642-3434 |
| Ritchie | Westbrook Health Services | 713 E. Main St./Harrisville | 304-643-2996 |
| Wayne | Prestera CMHC | 145 Kenova Ave./Wayne | 304-272-3466 |
| Wyoming | Southern Highlands CMHC | 102 Howard Ave./Mullens | 800-615-0122 |
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Aug-2003 11:23:14