Nearly 150 certified disaster response crisis counselors working with the New Jersey Hope and Healing program, a collaboration between the disaster and terrorism branch of the state Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Mental Health Association of New Jersey, immediately rushed to shelters and communities devastated by Superstorm Sandy to offer urgent emotional support to the thousands of people displaced from their homes.
“Since the beginning, we have been in the communities providing supportive outreach,” said Adrienne Fessler-Belli, director of the disaster and terrorism branch at the New Jersey Division of Mental Health Services. “We do not sit in the office; it’s not the traditional model. The counselors go into the community, they go door-to-door, and they listen to what is going on with the individuals. We’re kind of the eyes and ears of the community with regard to the emotional recovery with Sandy,” she explained.
With the help of a $1.94 million grant made possible by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, crisis counselors are continuing to help Sandy’s victims acquire the necessary coping skills to further deal with the long-term effects of the storm, and to help those who are struggling to recommence their daily lives. According to officials, nearly 100,000 state residents have benefited from these counseling services so far.
| Photo by NJ Hope and Healing Certified disaster response crisis counselors have been offering urgent emotional support to the thousands of people who lost their homes during Superstorm Sandy. |
Most disaster-impacted individuals just need someone to talk to and help guide them through the emotional process. Others may need more long-term help, said Fessler-Belli. Coping skills such as stress and anxiety management can be found through Hope and Healing. Referrals can also be made for individuals who need more clinical services.
“There’s no one way that’s the right way, so we work with folks to see what works for them,” said Fessler-Belli. “We help them work through the process. I want people to know that they’re not alone, even though they may feel like they don’t know what to do. The key is we just want individuals not to suffer and to know that there is someone out there that will just be willing to listen to them, or if they need more, to deal with the emotional impact of this type of storm,” she added.
The organization is hoping to obtain more funding in May to continue counseling services throughout the next nine months.
To speak with someone right away, call 1-888-294-HELP. A line for the hearing-impaired, 1-888-294-4356, is also available seven days a week between 8 a.m. and midnight. All calls are confidential and anonymous.
For more information, visit disastermentalhealthnj.com.
— Kelley Anne Essinger
This article was published in The SandPaper.
No comments:
Post a Comment