Kansas Rural Farm Helpline / Kansas All Hazards Behavioral Health

5/29/07:

Via call to Linda Hessman (Counselor/Volunteer with the KS Rural Family
Helpline) who was on the ground in Greensburg the KS Rural Family
helpline, directed by Charlie Griffin is collaborating efforts with KS
All Hazards Behavioral Health.

They will be in the field for the next 30 days, assisting Greensburg
survivors with on the spot crisis counseling, as well as the following
list of Resource Assistance:

Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Child Behavior Problems
Domestic Violence
Prescription Drug Assistance
Sexual/Physical Abuse
Suicide
Financial Concerns
Bankruptcy
Basic Human Needs (food, clothing)
Stress (emotional, physical, financial, family)
Job Transition/Adjustment/Retraining
Continuing Education
Relocation
Divorce
Child Custody
Foreclosure
Legal Issues
Health Insurance
Animal Health
Aging Concerns
Housing and Housing Repair
Depression

Today, they have 8 volunteer staff in the field. The goal is to have
10-15 daily.

If Mental Health providers are interested in volunteering, know that
they are in great demand. You must contact Charlie Griffin at:

1-866-327-6578

A test online must be performed before you are approved to take part
in volunteering. Please contact Mr. Griffin directly for more details
and qualifications/eligibility to volunteer.

I am forwarding Ms. Hessman a comprehensive list of resources, many she
was not aware of that she will share with her co-volunteers to pass out to
residents. Many do not have access to the internet or even to listen to
1610 AM radio for updates on resources/instructions/vital information. I also
advised her that the Haviland High School Red Cross shelter closed last week
and last count nearly a week ago, there were 45 shelter residents at
Mulinville High (the shelter was combined). I referred her to Pastor Larry
Bassett at UMC in Mulinville to coordinate any mental health needs he
can identify.

She also noted that FEMA in her observation are the only people with
laptops right now in Greenburg that she's seen. She should have her
laptop functioning by Wed. 5/30 that KS Rural Family Helpline provided
her with.

She is working on getting an assessment of the mental health status of
rural farm families, and to make certain that they've signed up with
FEMA. This is of great concern because the thinking is they may not
realize they need to because there are many agricultural org's providing
assistance, but it's necessary to get signed on with FEMA whether relief
is needed or received from them or not.

Leslie T.

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KS All Hazards Behavioral Health Program:
Provides disaster crisis counseling services to survivors of all
hazards events

Contact Briana Goff or Stephanie Wick @ (785) 532-1490