NewsMaker
Spring 2003

CREW (Center for Responders and Emergency Workers) Inaugurated in Westchester, Putnam and Surrounding Counties

With a SAMHSA (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) grant from the federal government, CREW a collaborative program of MHA Westchester and Putnam Family Community Services, has begun offering services that address the mental health needs of First Responders and Emergency Workers who worked or volunteered at Ground Zero following the September 11th terrorist attack in New York City.

Carolyn S. Hedlund, Ph.D., executive director of MHA, noted that the grant "will provide access to evidence-based treatment and services that have proven to be effective in promoting healthy coping strategies in response to trauma and related disasters."

The magnitude of the events of September 11th and the aftermath is unprecedented, and the full emotional impact continues to unfold for these workers and their families. Major depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are some of the more serious consequences resulting from direct exposure to the events and can be manifested in substance abuse, family conflicts and domestic violence.

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson captured the essence of why these services are essential. "These heroes deserve as much help as they need to go on with their lives following the devastation they witnessed." MHA was chosen to provide theses specialized services because of its track record in providing high quality, community-based mental health treatment, outreach, case management and educational services with clinicians who are especially attuned to working with people struggling with trauma and crisis issues.

Blanche Goodman, CSW, a certified social worker, is CREW's program coordinator. Goodman has over ten years experience working with uniformed services (police, fire and emergency medical services) including Project Liberty - Westchester, established by FEMA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency - in the aftermath of September 11th. She earned her M.S.W. from Fordham University. With her staff of three clinicians, Goodman has begun providing disaster related services to residents of Westchester, Putnam and surrounding counties. There is no charge for these services, and they are available in the community, at a client's home or office or other preferred sites.

For additional information, please call 914-666-2021 or MHA's Information and Referral Service at 914-345-5900, extension 240 or e-mail to help@mhawestchester.org.

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