Concern

Extreme weather patterns across the central U.S. have dominated the news cycle for a few weeks now, with TV meteorologists repeating a recurring theme: that monster “once in a lifetime” storm cells are presenting multiple times in a single season.

Nearly 68 million Americans were at risk from extreme weather this past Memorial Day weekend alone, and the estimated cost of damage since mid-March has already surged into the tens of billions of dollars.

That has us thinking about the aftermath and the hard work that begins after the news crews capture their footage of flooded streets and shattered homes and move on. There is the practical work and cost involved in rebuilding property and communities. But what about the emotional damage and the work that needs to be done to heal broken spirits?

Of course, physical safety and shelter must come first, but It’s also important to care for our mental and emotional wellbeing in times of crisis.

We thought this tip sheet about practical and financial steps to take after a disaster from the Concern library may be helpful. In addition to having service and benefit suggestions specific to Concern members and families, it also contains information and links that can be helpful to anyone in disaster-affected areas.

Tip sheet: https://www.concernhealth.com/resources/article/financial-steps-to-take-after-a-disaster/

If the current natural disasters have impacted your mental or emotional wellbeing, and you don’t have Concern to lean on, please consider the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline. They offer toll-free crisis counseling and support by phone at 1.800.985.5990 or online at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.