Red Cross Announces An Extension For Emotional Support Assistance For 2005 Hurricane Survivors - Success Of The Program Shows The Need Is Still There

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 20 Mar 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Survivors of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma who are still suffering emotionally from the effects of the storms will have extra time to get needed professional treatment. The American Red Cross Hurricane Recovery Program (HRP) has announced it will extend the enrollment deadline for their Emotional Support Program until May 31, 2008. The Red Cross Emotional Support Program allows those in need to receive outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment from licensed professionals across the United States.

The Emotional Support Program is a continuation of services provided by the American Red Cross, complementing the ongoing case management and community recovery efforts of the Red Cross and other agencies, which have been concentrated in the Gulf Coast. Designed in consultation with mental health experts and other agencies active in disaster recovery, the program meets needs which continue more than thirty months after the storms.

The program has been extremely successful with more than 21,000 survivors signing up for the program. "The fact that survivors continue to sign up is an indication that the assistance is still greatly needed," said Jacqueline Yannacci, Program Manager, Behavioral Health Programs. "This program has been vitally important not only to the survivors but to the mental health communities in Louisiana and Mississippi."

Survivors can enroll in the Emotional Support Program themselves either through the web at http://www.a2care.org or by calling toll-free 1-866-794-HOPE. The Emotional Support Program benefit program focuses on reducing financial barriers to mental health and substance abuse services. Hurricane survivors experiencing disaster related emotional distress are eligible to enroll in the program, The benefit program allows individuals to choose their own licensed provider. Once enrolled, survivors have until November 14, 2008 to receive services.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood to perform its humanitarian mission.

http://www.redcross.org