Immediate Crisis Counseling to Those Affected by the Tornado in Oklahoma

Immediate Crisis Counseling to Those Affected by the Tornado in Oklahoma

Immediate Crisis Counseling to Those Affected by the Tornado in Oklahoma

SAMHSA E-mail Updates sent this bulletin at 05/21/2013 11:48 AM EDT

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Immediate Crisis Counseling to Those Affected by the Tornado in Oklahoma

A disaster or tragedy is unexpected and often brings out strong emotions. The toll-free Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the violent storms that swept across Oklahoma. This free, confidential, and multilingual crisis support service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is also available via SMS—text “TalkWithUs” to 66746. Callers and texters are connected to trained and caring professionals who provide confidential counseling, referrals to the closest crisis centers, and other needed support services.

Call 1-800-985-5990 | Learn More About the Helpline

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Helping Mental Health Responders in the Wake of Disaster

In the aftermath of the devastating tornado in Oklahoma, people will need mental health support as much as medical support. It’s crucial to help medical professionals, first responders, family members, and victims both administer or receive the proper psychological first aid.

This mental health awareness toolkit provides first responders—whether they are disaster response workers, parents, caregivers, or teachers—with specific tips for responding effectively to people in the wake of a disaster. The information is meant to help alleviate painful emotions and promote hope and healing.

Call 1-800-662-4357 | Get the Disaster Response Kit

The Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 provides immediate counseling and help to people affected by the Midwest tornados

The Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 provides immediate counseling and help to people affected by the Midwest tornados

 

The Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 provides immediate counseling and help to people affected by the Midwest tornados

A disaster or tragedy is unexpected and often brings out strong emotions. The Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the Midwest tornados . 

 

The Helpline is a 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week resource that responds to people who need crisis counseling after experiencing a natural or man-made disaster or tragedy.

 

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Helpline immediately connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling center in the nationwide network of centers. The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services. 

 

“When disaster strikes, people react with increased anxiety, worry and anger. With community and family support, most of us bounce back.  Some may need extra assistance to cope with unfolding events and uncertainties,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. “People seeking emotional help in the aftermath of a disaster can now call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 and begin the process of recovery.”

 

The Disaster Distress Helpline is the nation’s first permanent hotline dedicated to providing disaster crisis. The toll-free Helpline is confidential and multilingual and available for those who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of natural or man-made disasters, incidents of mass violence or any other tragedy affecting America’s communities. The Helpline complements HHS, FEMA and other disaster response capacity, and is available immediately anywhere within the United States.

 

The helpline can also be accessed at http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/.

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SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.