Free Crisis Counseling For Texans Affected By Hurricane Ike
Release Date: October 30, 2008
Release Number: 1791-204
ยป More Information on Texas Hurricane Ike
AUSTIN, Texas -- Often, after a major disaster, people who suffered losses and damage to their homes or businesses just need someone to talk to, especially if they are feeling confused, anxious or angry.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) understand that Hurricane Ike has taken a tremendous toll on everyone and urge Texans working to recover from the storm to take advantage of free crisis counseling services.
"Texans are busy registering for disaster assistance, arranging home repairs and developing their long-term housing plans," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun. "But stress and negative feelings can creep up on you while you're busy dealing with the day-to-day issues. Take care of your mental and emotional health too."
Crisis counseling helps people understand that their emotional reactions to the trauma are normal and helps them develop coping techniques. Through support and information, the majority of disaster survivors can pick up the pieces and go on with their lives. Individuals with needs that cannot be fully served through these services are referred to agencies that provide mental health treatment services.
Disaster-related crisis counseling services are funded by FEMA and administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services. To be eligible for crisis counseling services, the person must be a resident of one of the 34 Texas counties designated for federal assistance.
Those counties are Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gregg, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, and Washington.
The following Mental Health/Mental Retardation (MHMR) centers are providing crisis counseling for 23 of the designated counties:
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Burke Center - Angelina, San Augustine, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Tyler; call 1-800-392-8343
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Gulf Coast Center - Brazoria and Galveston; call 1-800-643-0967
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Harris County MHMR - Harris and Fort Bend; call 1-713-970-7000
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Spindletop MHMR - Hardin, Jefferson, Chambers and Orange; call 1-800-937-8097
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Tri-County MHMR - Liberty, Montgomery and Walker; call 1-888-690-0799
Residents in other counties should call 2-1-1, the central point of contact for health and human services throughout Texas.
By calling 2-1-1 or any of the center phone numbers, residents in need can connect with crisis counselors. They can learn more about managing stress, arrange personal counseling visits, and receive referrals to other resources. In addition, outreach teams are also canvassing affected communities and maintaining a presence at FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers.
"Stress is a normal reaction to an abnormal event like the hurricane," said Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman. "Everyone recovers in their own way and at their own pace, but talking to someone may help.
State and federal recovery officials recommend people take care of themselves physically, share their feelings with others, get enough sleep, eat properly, recognize their limits, prioritize their time and get involved with family and friends. In addition to calling the participating MHMR centers, people can also call the following numbers for assistance:
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1-800-273-TALK: for suicidal or homicidal thoughts or plans
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1-800-662-HELP: for problematic use of alcohol or drugs
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1-800-799-7233: for issues related to domestic violence, child abuse or elder abuse
More resources are available online at
www.dshs.state.tx.us/comprep/dmh/bibmain.shtm
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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.
