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We Can Help. 914-345-5900 • help@mhawestchester.org |
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Coping with the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and RitaHurricanes Katrina and Rita ripped through the Gulf Coast, leaving mass destruction in their wake. Like the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the war that still goes on, the hurricanes have affected all of us to varying degrees. The effects continue to ripple out in many and often unexpected ways. Some individuals feel the impact of these events more powerfully as time passes. To assist you and those you care about to cope with these situations, we offer direct services, educational material and information about available resources. Short-Term Counseling to Individuals Relocated to Westchester from Hurricanes Katrina and RitaWe are providing short-term counseling to individuals and families relocated to our community from areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Services may be provided at our Elmsford, White Plains or Mount Kisco offices and are offered at no charge to recipients. Counseling is provided by licensed mental health professionals who have specific expertise in disaster mental health and the treatment of trauma. Counseling and education about the normal effects of coping with severe stress are provided for individuals of all ages and their families. Specialized services are available for children. For more information, please contact Blanche Goodman, LCSW, at 914-666-2021. MHA Providing Short-Term Counseling to Emergency Workers and First Responders to Hurricanes Katrina and RitaWe are providing short-term, confidential counseling to emergency and first responders who have served in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Sessions are offered at no charge to recipients. Counseling is provided by licensed professionals who have specific expertise counseling emergency and first responders who have worked major disasters, such as the attacks of September 11, 2001. Services focus on the unique needs of emergency and first responders, as well as the particular stresses that may be experienced by those who served in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks as well as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Information about the normal effects of coping with severe stress on responders and their families are provided. For more information, please contact Blanche Goodman, LCSW, at 914 666-2021. Check back regularly as we update this page. Crisis Intervention and Ongoing Support provides updated information about services available to individuals, families, schools and communities by local agencies, as well as information about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and links to additional resources. The National Mental Health Association has developed materials to help us cope with the aftermath of a hurricane on their web site at http://www.nmha.org/reassurance/anniversary/index.cfm. This page offers links to information for the General Public, Displaced People and for Staff and Volunteers. More helpful hints can be found on the site of the American Psychological Association at http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/topic.php?id=107. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides on its web site, http://www.fema.gov, updated information about government services available in response to the hurricane. The web site provides information in English and Spanish and includes information for children. The American Red Cross also provides information on its web site,
http://www.redcross.org regarding tracking a loved one and how to help the
victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
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