Today, the Indiana Family Social Services Administration's (FSSA) Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) received a Crisis Counseling Grant to assist Indiana residents impacted by the tornadoes and flooding that affected Hoosiers in May and June. The grant will provide free crisis counseling services through community outreach and public education. There are no medical or financial screening requirements to qualify for these services.
"Crisis counselors are available to listen and help Hoosiers cope with the stress and anxiety related to the recent disasters," said DMHA Director Cathy Boggs. "This grant will allow us to aid disaster victims in their recovery by giving them the coping skills they need to move forward."
Common reactions include regret, sadness, frustration, anger, fear, anxiety, headaches, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, avoidance of reminders of the disaster, and reflection on the way in which life has changed. To cope with these feelings, take time to relax, maintain routines, avoid using alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms, and stay healthy. It is important to talk about thoughts and feelings to help complete the healing process. Counselors are available to help adults, senior citizens, children and people with special needs.
The Crisis Counseling Grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and facilitated with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The project is administered by DMHA with 100 percent federal funds.
Crisis counselors are accessible in the following counties: Adams, Bartholomew, Brown, Clay, Daviess, Dearborn, Decatur, Gibson, Grant, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Huntington, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo, Washington, and Wayne. For around the clock assistance, please call 1-866-679-4631 or visit www.indianaprojectaftermath.org.
For more information on FSSA you can go to: www.in.gov/fssa.
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