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From Terry Werner, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers Nebraska Chapter:
The Nebraska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers is here to help residents recover from one of the greatest disasters in the state’s history. We have seen first-hand and through photographs the incomprehensible devastation many people have experienced.
In days ahead we expect more power outages, personal and community losses, and other challenges. We understand that in a disaster there are tremendous mental health stresses, which do not end when the cleanup is over. Licensed clinical social workers are in every community and willing and ready to help flood victims.
For instance NASW member Cathy Saeger has been providing mental health intervention services and case management in Fremont since Friday, in coordination with the Fremont Area United Way. She is just one of many Nebraska social workers doing their part.
We ask readers to share this advice: Social Workers Offer Tips for Coping with Stress from Disasters
We also encourage flood victims to contact the Nebraska Disaster Behavioral Health on their hotline at 1-800-464-0258.
NASW members and fellow social workers are urged to work closely with local Red Cross, Salvation Army and others coordinating disaster relief efforts across the state.
Disaster Relief Resources:
Contribute to the Social Work Disaster Assistance Fund
Fremont Area United Way – 402-721-4157 – to donate & for mental health intervention and case management
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross – Nebraska and Southwest Iowa
Omaha Public Schools Foundation Disaster Relief for Flood Victims
South Dakota
The South Dakota Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is here to help with the devastation and loss at Pine Ridge. We have seen first-hand and through photographs, the incomprehensible hardships so many people are experiencing. Now the business, personal, and community losses, present additional challenges in the days ahead.
We understand that in a disaster there are tremendous mental health stresses, which do not end when the cleanup is over. Licensed clinical social workers are in every community and willing and ready to help flood victims.
NASW realizes the immense stress surrounding these disasters. We offer tips for coping with this stress here, Social Workers Offer Tips for Coping with Stress from Disasters
We also encourage flood victims to contact the Avera Behavioral Health Hotline at 1-800-691-4336.
The South Dakota State University Extension has also compiled informational resources for flood recovery.
NASW members and fellow social workers are urged to work closely with local Red Cross, Salvation Army and others coordinating disaster relief efforts across the state.
Disaster Relief Resources:
Contribute to the Social Work Disaster Assistance Fund
SDSU Livestock Loss Assistance
South Dakota FEMA Public Assistance
South Dakota United Way Locations
Salvation Army Flood Relief Fund
Salvation Army South Dakota Locations
American Red Cross – Dakotas Region
Sioux Falls Community Foundation Flood Recovery Fund
Pine Ridge Reservation Emergency Relief
Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Relief
Contact Terry Werner at twerner.naswne@socialworkers.org
