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Telecare NorthSTAR Mobile Crisis Team Provides Mental Health Crisis Support to Victims of Hurricane Katrina
September 04, 2005
(note: although the Mobile Crisis program contract has recently been awarded to a local Texas provider, the compassion and caring provided by the Telecare employees featured in this story is representative of Telecare's committment to the community. We are certain that the same committment will be carried on by the new provider)
Telecare's Mobile Crisis Team is providing mental health crisis support at the Reunion Arena in Dallas to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Crisis Team staff have been on-site since August 31, and will continue to be available over the coming days. Crisis staff are also responding to calls within the greater Dallas community.
Hundreds of Katrina victims have been evacuated to the Reunion Arena, including numerous social workers and individuals requiring mental health services from Louisiana.
"The Mobile Crisis Team is assisting evacuated mental health clients as well as the social workers, as both groups are in crisis," said Suja Matthews, Administrator of the Mobile Crisis Team. "Leaving their own families at home, many of the social workers accompanied their clients to Dallas."
To decrease confusion due to displacement and prevent possible crisis situations, Mobile Crisis staff were instrumental in assuring a separate area within the arena for mentally ill individuals. Staff are working closely with city officials, ValueOptions, and area mental health providers to coordinate services. The Team is also assisting the Red Cross by donating basic necessities such as a small refrigerator for medication storage and hundreds of pens and notepads for individuals to write down the names of their family members still missing.
"As we have listened and watched stories unfold, we still find it hard to imagine the pain and suffering of those affected by Hurricane Katrina," said Ross Peterson, Telecare Vice President. "The trauma of lost homes and loved ones can be overwhelming for even the most healthy, but for those with serious mental disabilities crisis support is especially important now."
The Mobile Crisis Team provides 24-hour crisis response to adults and children in the greater Dallas area. Services are provided in the community - where people are located - and include crisis assessment, crisis stabilization, and linkage with local mental health and other resources. The Mobile Crisis Team can be reached at 214-267-0545.
