鈥淩estoring survivors鈥� emotional and psychological balance is a fundamental factor in New Jersey鈥檚 rebuilding process,鈥� said Commissioner Velez.聽 鈥淭he crisis counseling being provided through the New Jersey Hope and Healing program will be an important component in healing and easing the聽 sense of loss and helplessness brought on by the impact of聽 Hurricane Sandy.鈥�
The Disaster and Terrorism Branch (DTB) of DHS鈥� Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) applied for and received a $1.94 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expand the availability of in-person crisis counseling to Sandy survivors.
Separate from the grant, but an essential component to 鈥淗ope and Healing,鈥� the operation of a special disaster mental health crisis helpline will be expanded to 16 hours a day seven days a week. The hotline -
1-877-294-4357, TTY:
1-877-294-4356 鈥� is a joint partnership between DMHAS and the Mental Health Association of New Jersey.
Though hundreds of specially trained counselors have been deployed by DTB 鈥� to help thousands of victims in the immediate aftermath of Sandy, the FEMA funds will pay for 120 more, through December 29th.
鈥淢any New Jerseyans are upset, stressed or depressed as a result of the storm, loss of property, displacement and other related issues,鈥� said Carolyn Beauchamp, Chief Executive Officer at the NJ Mental Health Association. 鈥淲e encourage residents who are experiencing these symptoms to call the New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline for free, confidential, emotional support.鈥�
Individuals affected by a disaster and trauma may show signs of irritability, poor concentration, depression, hopelessness, isolation and grief or they may experience nightmares, flashbacks, new or worsening health problems and unusual alcohol, tobacco and drug use.
Outreach and support efforts aim to promote resilience through the use of good support systems and coping techniques, including sharing feelings, maintaining routine and seeking professional advice
.鈥淔EMA recognizes that recovery comes in many forms; helping people heal from the mental strains of a disaster is extremely important,鈥� said Mike Hall, Federal Coordinating Officer. 鈥淲hen survivors are able to make well thought out decisions for themselves, their recovery typically happens sooner.鈥�
DTB and MHANJ maintain an ongoing relationship with the hotline as well as the creation and operation of New Jersey鈥檚 Disaster Response Crisis Counselor (DRCC) certification and training initiative, which educates volunteers who help in the immediate response to any natural or man-made disaster.
