Providing Support to Individuals and Communities Recovering from Disasters
Today, on the 7th anniversary of the devastating Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Isaac has made landfall in the New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf Coast region.
We know that hurricanes and other natural disasters can lead to emotional distress in those that experience them. Survivors living in the impacted areas (including children and teens), loved ones of victims, and first responders, rescue & recovery workers are all at risk.
Feelings such as overwhelming anxiety, constant worrying, trouble sleeping and other depression-like symptoms are common responses to disasters and traumatic events (before, during and after the event), although reactions can vary from person-to-person. Most people that experience disasters are able to ‘bounce back’ in a short period of time, but others may need additional support in order to cope and move forward on the path of recovery.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing distress please call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746. TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 1-800-846-8517.
Educating and responding to the behavioral health needs of Americans in the wake of natural or man-made disasters has been one of SAMHSA’s key missions.
“When disaster strikes, it is critical that people and communities get the tools and resources they need as soon as possible so that they can begin the recovery process. SAMHSA explores new resources, programs and delivery systems to improve people’s abilities to cope and rebuild their lives in times of uncertainty. Behavioral health is essential to health, which also makes it an integral part of helping Americans overcome disasters,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde
SAMHSA responds to disasters and helps states, territories, tribes, and local entities deliver effective and comprehensive behavioral health services to those in need. SAMHSA also offers technical assistance, training, and expert consultation as well as disaster behavioral health resources and information exchange and knowledge brokering. Learn more about the Disaster Technical Assistance Center and SAMHSA’s Disaster Kit.
***The Disaster Distress Helpline provides year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or man-made disasters
I am sure SAMSHA and others do alot for people who are expierencin some of these disasters, crisires, etc. One thing I always think aout and I know why it is so near and dear to my heart (I suffered a similiar situation), and that is what happens to the poor people who are on Methadone and suddenly they cant get to their clinics, either clinics are closed or they are not able to go anywhere (they may be in a shelter, roads are blocked off, even national Guard may be there stopping them from entering certain areas, etc), what happens during these times. Is there anything set up for them to do. I think it could be ,made mandatory that each clinic provide a plan for what clients are to do in the case of an emergency. I know the old attitude was, “They are addicts they will find a way”….not so true when either it is a Category 3 Hurrican for example or just the fact that we arent living our lives in a certain way anymore. Ourclinics dont even like to have a plan for a bad snow and ice day let alone a Katrina-type Ordeal. Can you speak to this? Also if one is trained and educated to help (Masters Degree in Counseling, etc ) what can they do at a time like this. Take calls? go there? What can we do to volunteer? These two questions are not necessarily related but both are asking for good answers. Thankyou so much for all you do…