Show Me Hope Crisis Counseling grants help flood survivors

In response to the historic severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 29 to July 5, 2019, the Show Me Hope Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) grant will fund psychological services to help build hope and resiliency in Missouri’s survivors.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded the CCP grant to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) this week to deliver outreach services through five participating Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs): Arthur Center, Burrell Behavioral Health, Compass Health, Family Guidance Center and Ozark Center.

In Jasper County, Ozark Center will provide outreach services to providers.

Individuals and families impacted by the disaster, known as FEMA 4451, who live in one of the following disaster declaration counties will have access to Show Me Hope services.

Those counties, in addition to Jasper, are: Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Cole, Greene, Holt, Jackson, Lafayette, Lincoln, Livingston, Miller, Osage, Pike, Platte, Pulaski, and St. Charles.

Show Me Hope crisis counselors will be in the above counties connecting survivors with local mental health resources.

However, any Missourian experiencing stress or emotional strain because of the disasters can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-985-5990 or send a text message “TalkWithUs” to 66746.

The CCP is a short-term disaster relief program funded by FEMA to assist individuals and families in recovery from disasters through the following goals:

* Reach large numbers of people affected by disasters through face-to-face outreach to shelters, homes, community events and other locations,

* Assess the emotional needs of survivors and make referrals to traditional behavioral health services when necessary

* Identify tangible needs and link survivors to community resources and disaster relief services

* Provide emotional support, education, basic crisis counseling, and connection to familial and community support systems

* Train and educate CCP staff and other community partners about disaster reactions, appropriate interventions, and CCP services

* Develop partnerships with local disaster and other organizations

* Work with local stakeholders to promote community resilience and recovery

* Collect and evaluate data to ensure quality services and justify program efforts

* Leave behind a permanent legacy of improved coping skills, educational and resource materials, and enhanced community connections.

Show Me Hope encourages survivors to register with FEMA regarding their overall disaster needs. Missourians can learn more about registration at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4451. There are three ways to register for FEMA assistance:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

• By phone at the disaster assistance helpline: 800-621-FEMA (3362). Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Visit one of FEMA’s disaster recovery center locations listed on the FEMA 4451 website.

For disaster updates from the State of Missouri, visit Missouri’s recovery website at Recovery.mo.gov.

For disaster updates from FEMA, visit the disaster webpage at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4451

For local details, contact Ozark Center at 417-434-3458.