Behavioral health outreach funding extends
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Show Me Hope Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) grant will extend its funding for psychological services to help build hope and resiliency in Missourians. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded an $8.9 million CCP Regular Services Program (RSP) grant to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for service delivery and outreach services through 24 participating mental health agencies. A list of the agencies and contact numbers are at the end of this release.
Show Me Hope crisis counselors are connecting Missourians statewide with local mental health resources. Any individual experiencing stress or emotional strain because of the pandemic may also contact the Disaster Distress Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
The CCP provides psychological relief to individuals and families coping with and in recovery from disasters through the following goals:
• Reach large numbers of people affected by disasters through virtual and face-to-face outreach to shelters, homes, community events and other locations,
• Assess the emotional needs of survivors and refer them to traditional behavioral health services when necessary,
• Identify tangible needs and link survivors to community resources and disaster relief services,
• Provide emotional support, education, basic crisis counseling, and connection to familial and community support systems,
• Train and educate CCP staff and other community partners about disaster reactions, appropriate interventions, and CCP services,
• Develop partnerships with local disaster and other organizations,
• Work with local stakeholders to promote community resilience and recovery,
• Collect and evaluate data to ensure quality services and justify program efforts, and
• Leave behind a permanent infrastructure of improved coping skills, educational and resource materials, and enhanced community connections.
The Local Crisis Counseling provider agency is Southeast MO Behavioral Health. It covers Butler, Carter, Crawford, Dent, Douglas, Gasconade, Howell, Iron, Oregon, Ozark, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, St. Francois, Stoddard, Texas, Washington, Wayne and Wright Counties. Call 573-756-5749.
For local detail, questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the Missouri Show Me Hope Crisis Counseling Program at:
• Phone: 573-526-7821
• Email: showmehope@dmh.mo.gov
• Facebook: @MoShowMeHope
• Twitter: @MOShowMeHope
• Website: moshowmehope.org
