We've recently heard from many mental health advocates who are being taxed more than ever by the hurricanes. It's clear that there is a very large need for mental health help after a disaster.
As Terry Axelrod said in one of the post-hurricane fundraising calls, "In the long run, the stories we remember will be the mental health stories. The houses will get rebuilt. The roads will get rebuilt, but there will be long-term emotional damage from these disasters."
One of our alumni groups, The Mental Health Center of Denver (www.mhcd.org) found themselves in a slight quandary because they already are dealing with the need for services in their own city (Denver), but now find themselves providing mental health services for an estimated 1,000 hurricane evacuees as well. This group stepped up to offer assistance to these evacuees, and now the group is wondering how to explain to donors why they took on such a huge new load when they have so many people in their own community needing help already.
Terry responded: "I would say, how fabulous it is that you knew your help was needed. This is what you do best. When people are in need, you serve them. That's what you are there for, and it would never occur to you not to call and ask how you can help, in addition to serving all the people you are already serving. And now more than ever you want the community to help you."
Since this group works a lot with children who've experienced trauma, Terry suggested that they tell some of the stories from child evacuees. They can demonstrate the possible anger and confusion the children may be feeling at home, their feelings about losing their best friends, or the difference in not having familiar things around them.
