Free Counseling For Those Affected By August Flood
Support is available to those feeling overwhelmed by circumstances
Release Date: October 3, 2007
Release Number: 1719-033
» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms and Flooding
LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Counseling support is available to those affected by the August flooding that may be experiencing common reactions such as disbelief, feeling overwhelmed, trouble eating and sleeping, nightmares or worrying. Counselors will listen, provide emotional support and provide a link to needed resources.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing a grant of more than $200,000 to help residents in Crawford, Kenosha, La Crosse, Racine, Richland, Vernon and Sauk counties cope with flood-related emotional stress. The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services will coordinate the Crisis Counseling Immediate Services Program, called Project Recovery.
Project Recovery provides up to two months of supportive counseling, community outreach, consultation and education to those affected by the storms and flooding that occurred Aug. 18 - 31. Counselors help residents understand their current situation and reactions, provide emotional support and link them with resources and agencies. In addition, counselors will canvass affected areas, place ads in newspapers and put up flyers to notify residents about the available counseling.
Residents from one of the seven counties listed above can call Project Recovery at 1-866-422-3742 to make arrangements to have a counselor call or visit their home.
Wisconsin has requested and is working with FEMA to secure additional grant funding to provide counseling assistance for the victims in the other counties affected by the flood.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
