RED CROSS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH ALLIANCE OFFER TIPS FOR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
News Release from American Red Cross - Cascades Region
Posted on FlashAlert: October 5th, 2015 3:55 PM
In the aftermath of a horrific tragedy, local emotional health groups join with mental health specialists from around the country to support the Roseburg and UCC community
ROSEBURG, ORE. - Red Cross volunteer mental health specialists from around the Pacific Northwest have landed in Roseburg to support community members with the initial steps of recovering from Thursday's tragic shooting at Umpqua Community College. The Red Cross joins the Community Health Alliance in Roseburg, the Ford Family Foundation and members of the U.S. Public Health Service to provide support for families during this time.
"When we experience a tragic event, disaster or other stressful activity, we can have a variety of reactions, all of which can be common responses to difficult situations," says Carol Gross, lead disaster mental health volunteer with the American Red Cross Cascades Region. "It's important to be aware of these reactions and recognize they are normal, and that they are usually temporary and will go away over time."
These reactions can include:
* Feeling physically and mentally drained
* Difficulty making decisions or staying focused on topics
* Frustration occurring more quickly and more often
* Arguing more with family and friends
* Feeling tired, sad, numb, lonely or worried
* Experiencing changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Janet Holland, L.C.S.W. and executive director of the Community Health Alliance in Douglas County notes that these events bring up many different feelings and thoughts. "Check in with family members, especially children, to see how they are feeling. Listen to whatever reactions they may have. Look for ways to take one step at a time and focus on taking care of your needs and those of your family," she says.
The Red Cross and the Community Health Alliance offer some basic steps to take, to meet physical and emotional needs including:
* Take some deep breaths, get rest and drink plenty of water
* Recognize your own feelings
* Stay connected with family and friends
* Reach out and accept help from others
* Be patient and realize that recovery can take time
* Unplug from the media to keep from feeling overwhelmed
Community Health Alliance has set up a 24-hour assistance line which can be accessed by calling (541) 440-3532 or 1- (800) 866-9780. In addition, drop-in centers have been activated and offer emotional support for members of the UCC community and the broader Douglas County community:
Community Health Alliance (CHA) - 272 Medical Loop, Suite E (South side of Mercy Complex). This is a new location and is no longer at Annex B. Hours are 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. through Friday.
The Ford Family Foundation - Located at 1600 NW Stewart Parkway in Roseburg. Hours are 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. through Thursday.
The American Red Cross offers other recovery resources online:
- Helping Children Cope With Disaster (http://tinyurl.com/cqfjahw)
- Taking Care of Your Emotional Health After a Disaster (http://tinyurl.com/obuvv82)
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization -- not a government agency -- and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
About Community Health Alliance Oregon:
Community Health Alliance Oregon works in mutually supportive ways to provide mental health services that empower people to create solutions. Programs include mental health services, outpatient support, crisis and evaluation, adult treatment, youth and family treatment, psychiatric medical services and community support.
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ROSEBURG, ORE. - Red Cross volunteer mental health specialists from around the Pacific Northwest have landed in Roseburg to support community members with the initial steps of recovering from Thursday's tragic shooting at Umpqua Community College. The Red Cross joins the Community Health Alliance in Roseburg, the Ford Family Foundation and members of the U.S. Public Health Service to provide support for families during this time.
"When we experience a tragic event, disaster or other stressful activity, we can have a variety of reactions, all of which can be common responses to difficult situations," says Carol Gross, lead disaster mental health volunteer with the American Red Cross Cascades Region. "It's important to be aware of these reactions and recognize they are normal, and that they are usually temporary and will go away over time."
These reactions can include:
* Feeling physically and mentally drained
* Difficulty making decisions or staying focused on topics
* Frustration occurring more quickly and more often
* Arguing more with family and friends
* Feeling tired, sad, numb, lonely or worried
* Experiencing changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Janet Holland, L.C.S.W. and executive director of the Community Health Alliance in Douglas County notes that these events bring up many different feelings and thoughts. "Check in with family members, especially children, to see how they are feeling. Listen to whatever reactions they may have. Look for ways to take one step at a time and focus on taking care of your needs and those of your family," she says.
The Red Cross and the Community Health Alliance offer some basic steps to take, to meet physical and emotional needs including:
* Take some deep breaths, get rest and drink plenty of water
* Recognize your own feelings
* Stay connected with family and friends
* Reach out and accept help from others
* Be patient and realize that recovery can take time
* Unplug from the media to keep from feeling overwhelmed
Community Health Alliance has set up a 24-hour assistance line which can be accessed by calling (541) 440-3532 or 1- (800) 866-9780. In addition, drop-in centers have been activated and offer emotional support for members of the UCC community and the broader Douglas County community:
Community Health Alliance (CHA) - 272 Medical Loop, Suite E (South side of Mercy Complex). This is a new location and is no longer at Annex B. Hours are 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. through Friday.
The Ford Family Foundation - Located at 1600 NW Stewart Parkway in Roseburg. Hours are 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. through Thursday.
The American Red Cross offers other recovery resources online:
- Helping Children Cope With Disaster (http://tinyurl.com/cqfjahw)
- Taking Care of Your Emotional Health After a Disaster (http://tinyurl.com/obuvv82)
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization -- not a government agency -- and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
About Community Health Alliance Oregon:
Community Health Alliance Oregon works in mutually supportive ways to provide mental health services that empower people to create solutions. Programs include mental health services, outpatient support, crisis and evaluation, adult treatment, youth and family treatment, psychiatric medical services and community support.
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