The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) has been chosen to provide crisis counseling assistance through the program, Project Hope, part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s $8.2 million grant from FEMA.
The mandate: To deliver immediate mental health crisis counseling to individuals impacted by Hurricane Sandy. A team of twelve has already been assembled and will soon begin visiting the 11,000 individuals in Westchester and Rockland estimated to have been impacted.
Those at emotional risk after a traumatic storm such as Sandy are children; older adults; people with prior trauma, disabilities, serious mental illnesses and substance abuse problems and feelings or sense of hopelessness; people with low incomes; first responders and other public safety workers.
Symptoms include irritability, poor concentration, low mood and hopelessness, isolation, discouragement, grief over losses and alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to contact Project Hope, call 914-345-5900 extension 7543 or 7544.
MHA of Westchester is a community-based mental health agency that has been helping Westchester County residents for 66 years through direct services, professional and community education and advocacy. MHA supports 20,000 individuals annually through a comprehensive array of mental health services striving to help each individual to achieve their personal goals and to lead independent, healthy and successful lives. For information, visit www.mhawestchester.org.
