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Governor Chet Culver has urged Iowans who need mental health services to use the Project Recovery Iowa program, a mental health program that provides free crisis counseling to Iowans affected by this year's natural disasters.

"As Governor, I am committed to returning life to normal in those communities affected, and that is why I encourage Iowans to reach out to the Project Recovery Iowa mental health program.  This free program will help those who have been affected get a sense of control back in their lives and will move us farther down the road to recovery."

Now three months after deadly tornados and disastrous flooding in Iowa, many survivors of these natural disasters are still in critical need of assistance to rebuild their lives. It is important for all of us to understand that survivors need help long after the aggressive initial recovery efforts have tapered off. Many Iowans are without permanent homes and are doubling up with friends or relatives. Others lost jobs and are dealing with financial stress. This can result in overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and loss.

We helped one another recover from the physical part of the disaster. Now we must do the same to help survivors deal with delayed stress. That's where Project Recovery Iowa comes in.

Project Recovery Iowa

Project Recovery Iowa is a disaster mental health program that provides counseling to those affected by this year's natural disasters.  This Iowa Department of Human Services program empowers survivors, teaches coping skills, assesses immediate needs, and guides people to resources for ongoing support.

Services Provided

Telephone crisis counseling and referral assistance is free statewide.  Additional in-person crisis counseling is free (supported by a federal grant) in 29 counties with the most damage and is provided in the survivor's home, a temporary living site, or any place where the survivor feels comfortable.

Services provided include:

• Individual and Group Crisis Counseling. A strength-based approach to help people access and identify resources that will aid in the recovery process.
• Educational Services. On-site supportive, educational, face-to-face interventions with individuals and communities.
• Referrals. In some cases, survivors may need long-term, more formal mental health services beyond immediate services.  Referrals are made to an appropriate agency or licensed mental health professional or to other specific disaster services available through DHS.

Reaching Out to Survivors is Important

 "The stress of a traumatic experience often takes weeks to surface, and we have to be mindful that children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable," said Allen Parks, administrator of the Mental Health and Disability Services division of the Iowa Department of Human Services. 

"Especially with cold weather coming soon to Iowa, it is imperative for us to reach out to Iowans needing counseling and additional resources for ongoing support."

Call the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985

The Iowa Concern Hotline is the entry point for Project Recovery Iowa services. Confidential counseling is available 24/7. Counselors can provide immediate assistance and will make referrals if needed.

More information? See "Crisis Counseling" at dhs.iowa.gov