FEMA Awards Crisis Counseling Grant

Release Date: January 29, 2003 Release Number: 1446-34

» Super Typhoon Pongsona

Dededo, GUAM -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Government of Guam with an immediate services grant totaling more than $333,000 to provide crisis counseling to residents of Guam. The grant will be administered by Catholic Social Services in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Center for Mental Health Services.

"Recovery needs extend beyond physical and financial. FEMA's role is to provide citizens with all the support we can to help them being rebuilding their lives," Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Carwile said in approving funds to support the program. "For many people this counseling may be an important step in their recovery process."

Catholics Social Services is responsible for overall administration and implementation of the program, called Partnership in Recovery Outreach (PRO). Crisis counseling, community education services, and training are being provided through PRO.

J. Peter Roberto, project director for PRO, points out that people who have gone through a disaster such as a typhoon may experience trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, depression and lack of concentration. "Acknowledging feelings and stress is the first step to feeling better," he says.

"People who have had to leave their homes due to the storm are especially at risk for stress problems," Roberto continued. "Generally, these feelings and responses do not last long, but it is not uncommon to experience them many months after the event."

Roberto suggests that talking about disaster experiences and sharing feelings about them will help people feel better about what has happened. Those who wish to talk to someone about their feelings regarding their disaster-related losses are encouraged to call 635-1418 for referrals. All calls will be kept confidential.

People with counseling needs can also visit the nearest Disaster Recovery Center to speak with a crisis counselor. Crisis counselors are also working their way into the villages around the island and brochures on stress are available in various languages including Chuukese, Palauan, Chamorro, Filipino and Pohnepian.