Crisis counseling helpline available for Hurricane Michael survivors

ALBANY — A crisis counseling hotline resource sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is available to Hurricane Micheal survivors to help them overcome psychological stress.

“We do have a crisis counseling hotline resource available for storm survivors,” Patrick Boland, external affairs specialist with FEMA, told The Albany Herald after it published a story on suicide on Sunday. “It’s something we really want people to know about to avoid any loss of life like that mentioned in the story if at all possible.

“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services operates a disaster distress helpline that is available to help survivors who are coping with stress. Survivors can talk with a trained crisis counselor at (800) 985-5990 (for Spanish, press 2). Or one can text TalkWithUs to 66746 (for Spanish, text Hablanos to 66746).”

The line, launched in 2012, was also promoted by SAMHSA for people in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia impacted by Hurricane Florence. 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 human-caused disaster or tragedy.

Officials said the counselors can provide confidential counseling, information on how to recognize distress and its effects on individuals and families, tips for healthy coping, and referrals to counseling centers for additional follow-up care and support.

“When you call or text, crisis counselors will listen to what’s on your mind with patience and without judgment,” officials on SAMHSA’s website said about the helpline. “There is no need to give any identifying information when you contact the Disaster Distress Helpline. The counselor may ask you for some basic information at the end of the call, but these questions are optional and are intended to help SAMHSA keep track of the types of calls it receives.”

SAMHSA said incidents can also include mass violence, widespread infectious disease outbreaks or any other tragedy affecting America’s communities. The helpline complements HHS, FEMA and other disaster response capacities, and is available immediately anywhere within the United States.

“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,” Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, assistant secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at SAMHSA, said in a news released issued shortly after Hurricane Florence. “People seeking emotional help in the aftermath of a disaster can now call (800) 985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 and begin the process of recovery.”

For more information, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.