Information for people with disabilities and their families who have
been affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Crisis Hotline Available for Victims of Hurricane Katrina
The Department of Health and Human Services today announced the availability
of a toll-free hotline for people in crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina. By dialing 1-800-273-TALK(1-800-273-8255), callers will be connected
to a network of local crisis centers across the country that are committed
to crisis counseling. Callers to the hotline will receive counseling from
trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network.
We have all been touched by this tragedy, and profound sadness, grief, and
anger are normal reactions that many people may experience, HHS Secretary
Mike Leavitt said. We want people to know that we have a nationwide team
of crisis counseling experts available to help people through their grief
and loss.
The network is run by HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
and involves more than 110 certified crisis centers. People who are in emotional
distress or suicidal can call at any time from anywhere in the nation to
talk to a trained worker who will listen to and assist callers in getting
the mental health help they need. People will be provided with immediate
access to local resources, referrals and
expertise.