Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program 1

Why ………Are we here? President Obama declared a major disaster on October 30, 2012 The NYS Office of Mental Health applied for the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program grant now known as Project Hope Locations involved with Project Hope are: New York City and the counties of Rockland, Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau Project Hope provides free crisis counseling services to persons, families, and groups affected by Superstorm Sandy

3 Why………Are we here? Everyone who experiences a disaster is affected by it in some way Stress and grief are common reactions to uncommon situations Although, a person’s natural resilience will support individual and collective recovery over time, the initial response may be overwhelming

Why………Goal of the CCP Help disaster survivors recover from the most adverse reactions to the disaster and begin to rebuild their lives Help survivors understand their personal reactions Help survivors plan action steps and solutions Link survivors to community resources 4

Who…………Are we? Local providers identified by the county/city to oversee the Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) People from the affected areas are hired and trained to be the part of the CCP The CCP team consists of Program Coordinators, Team Leaders and Crisis Counselors in each county/city

Who…….Do we assist ? Individuals Families Community Groups Businesses Service Organizations Anyone affected by this disaster 6

What……Do we offer? Individual Crisis Counseling Brief Informational / Educational Support Group Crisis Counseling Public Education Community Networking and Support Resource Linkage Assessment Referral 7

When…..Is the CCP offered? Typical Phases of Disaster 8

Heroic phase Many survivors exhibit adrenaline-induced rescue behavior There is a sense of altruism Honeymoon phase Disaster assistance is readily available Community bonding occurs Many are optimistic that everything will quickly return to normal CCP staff can gain access to affected people, and build relationships with stakeholders 9

Typical Phases of Disaster Disillusionment phase Stress and fatigue take a toll Optimism turns into discouragement Need for substance abuse services may increase The larger community returns to business as usual Individuals and communities become ready to accept support Reconstruction phase Individuals and communities begin rebuilding their lives People begin adjusting to new circumstances There is a recognition of growth and opportunity 10

Where…..Will we be? We provide services anywhere, including:  homes  businesses  schools  colleges  house of worship  shelters and  community centers 11

Why….Does the program work? The CCP program is: Anonymous Based on the assumption of natural resilience and competence Conducted in nontraditional settings Supportive and educational Culturally sensitive Designed to strengthen existing community support systems Offered to help survivors understand their reactions

What …Are common reactions? Physical Emotional Cognitive Behavioral 13

14 Individual Physical Reactions Digestive problems Headaches, aches, and pains Weight change Sweating or chills Tremors or muscle twitching Clumsiness, increased accidents Easily startled Chronic fatigue or sleep disturbances Immune system disorders Sexual dysfunction Positive responses can include alertness

15 Individual Emotional Reactions Heroic, euphoric, or invulnerable feeling Denial Anxiety or fear Depression Guilt Apathy Grief Positive responses can include feeling challenged, involved, and pressured to act

16 Individual Cognitive Reactions (Information Processing ) Disorientation and confusion Poor concentration Difficulty setting priorities or making decisions Loss of objectivity Recurring dreams, nightmares, or flashbacks Preoccupation with disaster Positive responses can include group identification and sharpened perception

17 Individual Behavioral Reactions Change in activity level Alcohol and drug use or abuse Increased use of over-the-counter medications Difficulty communicating or listening Irritability, anger, or frequent arguments Declining job performance Frequent crying Difficulty sleeping Avoidance of triggering places or activities Positive responses can include unselfish and helping behavior

18 Individual Reactions Spiritual beliefs influence how people make sense of the world: Survivors may seek the comfort that comes from spiritual beliefs Spiritual beliefs will assist some survivors with coping and resilience Survivors may question their beliefs and life structures

How…Crisis Counselors can help: Work with survivors to build upon their natural resilience to recover from this event Help survivors to understand their feelings and reactions to the disaster Assist with problem solving and developing action plans Provide linkages, information and referrals to other resources 19

How to contact us: 20 (Place your provider information here) LifeNet is a Free Confidential Hotline/Referral service, available 24 hours/7 days a week