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February 20, 2009

Web site addresses disaster victims' mental health needs

Submitted by the Georgia Department of Human Resources

ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases encourages residents of the communities affected by recent severe weather to visit the Disaster Mental Health Web site www.georgiadisaster.info.

The site contains information, recommendations and guidance on how to handle personal and community crisis situations, as well as how to bounce back from a crisis.

“One of the most damaging injuries that natural disasters may leave behind are children and adults with anxiety, stress and other mental or behavioral health problems,” says Gwen Skinner, director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases. “While most people will recover from disasters on their own, there are some who will need help in adapting to adversity and this Web site hopes to provide that first-step assistance.”

The Web site includes sections with information on how to help teens and children cope with disasters and grief. It also has resources for elder adults and people with disabilities as well as specific recommendations and resources for public safety, mental health, health care professionals and military personnel.

The Disaster Mental Health Web site was launched last November. It was developed by the University of West Georgia in collaboration with DHR’s Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases and the Division of Public Health.

To find treatment and support services for individuals with mental illness, substance abuse disorders or developmental disabilities, visit www.mygcal.com or call 1-800-715-4225.

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