(task) Disaster Distress Helpline resources throughout Blizzard Juno, January 2015

NYRS, No Manhattan RN, Rockaway RN

4 cover

Emergency Response

> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Lauri Benblatt <LBenblatt@mhaofnyc.org>
> To: Lauri Benblatt <LBenblatt@mhaofnyc.org>
> Cc: Christian Burgess <CBurgess@mhaofnyc.org>
> Subject: Disaster Distress Helpline resources throughout Blizzard Juno, January 2015
> Date: January 26, 2015 at 1:45:21 PM EST
>
> To whom it may concern,
>
> As you are all aware, the Northeast Blizzard (Juno) of January 2015, is expected to impact a wide geographical region, affecting both coastal and inland communities. This storm may have the potential to impact emotional distress, particularly to those communities still recovering from recent disaster/emergency events, as well as those communities with higher vulnerabilities. Some of those reactions may be in the form of worry, anxiety, depression, distress or others. Please help your communities stay as informed and prepared as possible (see below for resources).
> · For information regarding these storm systems, please visit:
> · http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/26/us/weather-storm/ <http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/26/us/weather-storm/>
> · http://www.weather.com/storms/winter/news/winter-storm-juno-blizzard-boston-nyc-new-england <http://www.weather.com/storms/winter/news/winter-storm-juno-blizzard-boston-nyc-new-england>
>
>
> Additionally, as you are aware, The national Disaster Distress Helpline (a program of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) remains available with 24/7 crisis counseling and emotional support to anyone who may be experiencing distress or other mental health concerns related to the blizzard that is forecast to affect several states in the Northeast/New England regions:
> · Calls (1-800-985-5990) and texts (text “TalkWithUs” to 66746; Spanish-speakers can text “Hablanos” to 66746) are answered by trained counselors from a network of crisis centers across the country, who also provide information and referrals to local crisis centers and 2-1-1/3-1-1s as needed
> · Interpretation services are available to connect callers with counselors in 150+ languages
> · In addition to the texting service, TTY is available for deaf and hard of hearing individuals at 1-800-846-8517
> · VOADs looking to promote available mental health resources can use the following template for Twitter, Facebook, other social media accounts:
> If you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed re. #BlizzardOf2015, you're not alone! @Distressline 1-800-985-5990 offers 24/7 support.
>
>
> · For more information visit http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov <http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/> or see attached brochure, which can also be distributed to colleagues and to the public-at-large. I am also attaching an informational FAQ sheet for stakeholders such as yourselves (not to be distributed please!).
> · Additionally, DDH staff are available for assistance in coordinating emotional care resources with any local/state VOADs, COADs, or other associated partners during blizzard preparedness, response, and (if needed) recovery, please do not hesitate to reach out at any of the below contact information (please note that my mobile may be of better use throughout the storm).
>
> Please do not hesitate to contact me with further questions or concerns at my contact information listed below, and please note that my mobile number will likely be a better source if calling. Stay safe, and thank you all for all of your wonderful efforts assisting others throughout the storm and all other disasters/emergencies.
>
> Take care,
> Lauri
>
> Lauri Benblatt MA, MPH, LPC
> Program Manager
> Disaster Distress Helpline, MHA-NYC / Link2Health Solutions, Inc.
> 50 Broadway, 11th Floor
> New York, NY 10004
> O: 212-614-6348|M: 303-579-3004|F: 212.785.1910
> lbenblatt@mhaofnyc.org <mailto:lbenblatt@mhaofnyc.org>
>
> Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990;
> Text: “TalkWithUs” or “Hablanos” to 66746
> http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/disasters/hurricane-sandy.aspx <http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/disasters/hurricane-sandy.aspx>
> www.facebook.com/distresshelpline <http://www.facebook.com/distresshelpline>
> https://twitter.com/distressline <https://twitter.com/distressline>
>