Crisis Counseling Grant Approved For Hurricane Ivan Victims
Release Date: October 12, 2004
Release Number: 1549-044
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Ivan
MOBILE, Ala. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a $393,963 grant to the state of Alabama to help those affected by Hurricane Ivan cope with emotional stress resulting from the disaster.
The grant, administered by the Alabama State Department of Mental Health, will fund, “Project Rebound”, a free crisis-counseling program created specifically for disaster victims. Crisis counselors from four community mental health centers and a substance abuse treatment facility will listen, provide emotional support and link survivors to needed resources.
“Emotional effects from loss of home, displacement and decreased social support may cause stress as we begin to reconstruct our lives. Disaster victims need to know that sometimes talking with a crisis counselor can help,” said Acquanetta Knight, disaster coordinator for the Alabama State Department of Mental Health.
Common stress reactions may include: fear, disbelief, reluctance to leave one’s property, overwhelmed feelings, trouble with eating or sleeping, nightmares, worry, difficulty in making decisions, and a roller coaster of emotions.
“We want to reassure people that these are normal reactions,” Knight said. “Sometimes it helps to talk about it.” Through “Project Rebound”, persons in eleven counties will be assisted. “This grant will enable our counselors to reach the considerably greater numbers of individuals in these counties needing assistance.”
“Project Rebound” crisis counseling services are being offered in the following disaster-declared counties: Baldwin, Butler, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington. Residents of other disaster-declared counties may access services by calling the 800-number as well.
Crisis counseling services are available at Disaster Recovery Centers. Also, the project’s outreach workers will conduct field visits in hard-hit areas. For assistance or information, ask for Acquanetta Knight at 800-832-0952 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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: Tuesday, 12-Oct-2004 19:25:45