Tulsa, OK – In June 2019, historic flooding destroyed many homes and lives throughout Oklahoma. According to the American Psychological Society, as many as four in 10 survivors can experience a mental or behavioral disorder after a disaster, with children, women and the poor disproportionately affected. Many people impacted by this natural disaster may still be experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health issues related to these events.
Under exclusive subcontract through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), CRSOK will provide free counseling to those in Tulsa county who are still needing mental health services in the aftermath. In addition to supportive crisis counseling, CRSOK will help with the development of coping skills as well as linking impacted individuals to appropriate resources.
“The emotional impact of a severe weather disaster often may not hit until months after the event,” said Tom Thomson, ODMHSAS Access Specialist and Disaster Coordinator. “Our Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) can provide brief counseling sessions, as well as assessment and referral for those needing longer-term counseling.”
CRSOK will hire, train and deploy several crisis counselors to conduct outreach and provide public education regarding trauma and the emotional impact of natural disasters. Counselors will go door-to-door for outreach and can be identified wearing lime green T-shirts or safety vests with “All-OK 4438” printed on them, or with an “All- OK 4438” badge. CRSOK is the exclusive provider for Tulsa County.
ODMHSAS was awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to assist disaster-impacted individuals and communities in recovering through the provision of community-based outreach and psycho-educational services. The goal is to aid survivors in recovering from the adverse reactions to disasters and to begin to rebuild their lives.
In addition to CRSOK exclusively serving Tulsa County, several other ODMHSAS Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) will be involved in the effort for other areas, including Grand Lake CMHC, CREOKS Behavioral Health Services and Green Country Behavioral Health Services in northeast and eastern Oklahoma; Red Rock CMHC in central Oklahoma; and Carl Albert CMHC in southeastern Oklahoma.
The program will run through June 30, 2020. For services, call CRSOK at 918.492.2554, 211 or the Reachout hotline at 1-800-522-9054.