Self-Care and Self-Help Following Disasters

A National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet

The impact of the terroristic violence on September 11, 2001 will affect people at all levels of involvement: victims, bereaved family members, friends, rescue workers, emergency medical and mental-health care providers, witnesses to the event, volunteers, members of the media, and citizens of the community, the country, and the world. Terroristic events can cause people to feel angry, frustrated, helpless, and afraid. Terrorism can also make people want to seek revenge. Studies have shown that acting on this anger and desire for revenge can increase feelings of anger, guilt, and distress rather than decreasing them.

However, there are strong mechanisms that contribute to natural recovery from traumatic events. Many trauma experts (Staab, Foa, Friedman) agree that the psychological outcome of our community as a whole will be resilience, not psychopathology. For most survivors, symptoms of fear, anxiety, re-experiencing, urges to avoid, and hyper-arousal, if present, will gradually decrease over time.

Coping Strategies

There are a number of common strategies that individuals utilize when coping with extraordinary stress in their lives. These strategies, while effective at manageable levels of stress, can become unproductive or detrimental when stress reaches overwhelming or traumatic levels. It is important to remember that individuals have their own way of and pace for processing traumatic events, and each individual must listen to and honor his or her own pace and way. It is suggested that survivors monitor their reactions and increase the coping strategies that have worked in other stressful situations.

Research on individuals with positive responses after a traumatic event indicates that their preferred coping mechanisms are to:

When problem-solving, focus on brief time intervals (e.g., think only about what the next step is), or focus on a larger time interval to obtain a less devastating picture of the trauma (i.e., as one tragic event in a full and meaningful life)
Maintain a view of oneself as competent and a view of others as willing and able to provide support
Focus on the current implications of the trauma and avoid regretting past decisions and actions¹

The process of converting traumas into growth experiences has the following characteristics:

It is usually done by the individual alone, but confidants can also suggest new ways of viewing the situation.
It usually occurs between 2 weeks and 4 months following the stressor.
It can enhance one’s ability to cope with subsequent stressors.
It usually depends more on an individual's psychological resources than on the characteristics of the stressor event.
It is intuitive, rapid, and sudden rather than being an extended logical thinking process (i.e., it is characterized by sudden insight and revelation). (Finkel and Jacobsen, 1977)²

Specific Coping Strategies for Traumatic Stress and PTSD Symptoms

Positive coping actions are those that help to reduce anxiety, lessen other distressing reactions, and improve the situation in a way that does not harm the survivor further. These types of coping actions improve things not only for today but for the future as well. Positive coping methods include:

using natural supports and talking with friends, family, and coworkers at your own pace. It is helpful to follow one's own natural inclination with regard to how much and to whom you talk.

learning about trauma and PTSD. It is useful for trauma survivors to learn more about trauma and PTSD and how it may affect them. Learning how common PTSD is and finding that these problems are shared by hundreds of thousands of survivors of trauma can help people with PTSD recognize that they’re not alone, weak, or "crazy."

talking to other trauma survivors for support. When survivors are able to talk about their problems with others, something helpful often results. Through the process of seeking support from other trauma survivors, the survivor may come to feel less alone, feel supported or understood, or he or she may receive concrete help with a problem situation. One of the best places to find support is in a specially designed support group. Being in a group with others who have PTSD may help a trauma survivor reduce his or her sense of isolation, rebuild trust in others, and it may provide an important opportunity to contribute to the recovery of other survivors of trauma.

talking to a doctor about trauma and PTSD. Part of taking care of oneself means mobilizing the helping resources that are available. A doctor can take better care of a patient’s physical health if he or she knows about the patient’s PTSD symptoms, and doctors can often refer trauma survivors for more specialized and expert care.

practicing relaxation methods. These can include muscular relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, meditation, swimming, stretching, yoga, prayer, listening to quiet music, spending time in nature, and so on. While relaxation techniques can be helpful, they can sometimes increase distress by focusing attention on disturbing physical sensations or by reducing contact with the external environment. Be aware that while negative or painful physical sensations may become more apparent when a person is relaxed, continuing with relaxation in a way that is tolerable (i.e., interspersed with music, walking, or other activities) is, in the long run, helpful in reducing negative reactions to thoughts, feelings, or perceptions.

increasing positive distracting activities. Positive recreational or work activities help distract a person from his or her memories and reactions. Artistic endeavors have also been a way for many trauma survivors to express feelings in a positive, creative way. These endeavors can help improve a person’s mood, limit the harm caused by PTSD, and can help a person rebuild his or her life. It is important to emphasize that distraction alone is unlikely to facilitate recovery; active, direct coping with traumatic events and their impact is also important.

calling a counselor for help. Sometimes PTSD symptoms worsen and ordinary efforts at coping don’t seem to work very well. If the survivor of trauma feels fearful or depressed, it is important that he or she reach out and telephone a counselor, who can help the survivor turn things around.

taking prescribed medications to tackle PTSD. Many people with PTSD have found that by taking medications they are able to improve their sleep, anxiety, irritability and anger, or urges to drink or abuse drugs.

starting an exercise program. It’s important to see a doctor before starting to exercise, but after getting the OK, exercise in moderation will potentially benefit those with PTSD in a number of ways. Walking, jogging, swimming, weight lifting, and other forms of exercise may reduce physical tension. These activities may also help distract the person from painful memories or worries and thus give them a break from difficult emotions. Perhaps most important, exercise can improve self-esteem and help people feel that they have some control in their lives.

volunteering in the community. It’s important to feel like you have something to offer to others and that you are making a contribution. When you’re not working, you may not feel that you are contributing anything worthwhile. One way that many survivors of trauma have reconnected with their communities and regained a feeling of connection and importance is to volunteer: to help with youth programs, medical services, literacy programs, community sporting activities, and so on.

Negative Coping Actions help perpetuate problems. They may reduce distress in the short term, but in the long-term, negative coping actions may short-circuit more permanent change. Actions that may feel immediately helpful but that can cause later problems include things like smoking or using drugs. These habits can become difficult to change. Negative coping methods can also include isolation, workaholism, violent behavior, angry intimidation of others, unhealthy eating, and self-destructive behavior (e.g., attempting suicide). Before people with PTSD learn effective and healthy coping methods, they may try to cope with their distress and other reactions in ways that lead to more problems.

Practicing Lifestyle Balance

(Excerpted from: Saakvitne, K. W., & Pearlman, L. A. (Eds.). 1996. Transforming the pain: A workbook on vicarious traumatization. New York: Norton).

There are many ways to restore lifestyle balance, and keeping track of and making progress with as many of the following changes is a good way to regain balance after having been exposed to or witnessed cumulative traumatic experiences:

Physical Self-Care

Eat regularly (e.g. breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Eat healthily
Exercise
Get regular medical care for prevention
Get regular medical care when needed
Take time off when sick
Get massages
Dance, swim, walk, run, play sports, sing, or do some other physical activity that is fun
Take time to be sexual--with yourself, with a partner
Get enough sleep
Wear clothes you like
Take vacations
Take day trips or mini-vacations
Make time away from telephones

Psychological Self-Care

Make time for self-reflection
Have your own personal psychotherapy
Write in a journal
Read literature that is unrelated to work
Do something at which you are not expert or in charge
Decrease stress in your life
Notice your inner experiences -- listen to your thoughts, judgments, beliefs, attitudes, and feelings
Let others know different aspects of you
Engage your intelligence in a new area, e.g., go to an art museum, history exhibit, sports event, auction, theater performance
Practice receiving from others
Be curious
Say no to extra responsibilities sometimes

Emotional Self-Care

Spend time with others whose company you enjoy
Stay in contact with important people in your life
Give yourself affirmations, praise yourself
Find ways to increase your sense of self-esteem
Reread favorite books, re-view favorite movies
Identify comforting activities, objects, people, relationships, places, and seek them out
Allow yourself to cry
Find things to make you laugh
Express your outrage in social action, letters, donations, marches, protests
Play with children

Spiritual Self-Care

Make time for reflection
Spend time with nature
Find a spiritual connection or community
Be open to inspiration
Cherish your optimism and hope
Be aware of nonmaterial aspects of life
Try at times not to be in charge or the expert
Be open to not knowing
Identify what is meaningful to you and notice its place in your life
Meditate
Pray
Sing
Spend time with children
Have experiences of awe
Contribute to causes in which you believe
Read inspirational literature (talks, music, etc.)

When to Seek Help

Several studies have pointed out that following a terroristic event such as the Oklahoma City bombing, many of those in closest proximity to the disaster do not believe that they need help and will not seek out services, despite reporting significant emotional distress³. Sprang lists several potential reasons for this:

Some people may feel that they are better off than those more affected and that they, therefore, should not be so upset.
Some may not seek help because of pride or because they think that distress indicates weakness of some sort.
Some individuals may not define services they receive as mental-health intervention, especially if such intervention is unsolicited (e.g., lectures, sermons, discussions, community rituals). Indeed, because the goal of many disaster mental-health workers is to have interventions be a seamless, integrated part of an overall disaster effort, those who receive these services may not recognize them as mental-health interventions.
Many individuals are more apt to seek informal support from family and friends, which may not be sufficient to prevent long-term distress for some.

It is critical to address this hesitance about seeking help given that a large portion of the individuals who were directly exposed to the Oklahoma City bomb blast continued to have active postdisaster psychiatric symptoms six months after the bombing. (PTSD was the most common disorder, and major depression was the second most common disorder⁴).

There may be times when self-help strategies are not effective in reducing the effects of exposure to traumatic stress. Research has shown that exposure to trauma may result in a change in brain chemistry and function. Research has also shown that the use of antidepressant or other medication reduces both PTSD and depressive symptoms in individuals who are unable to use behavioral techniques to manage their symptoms. Individuals have also experienced partial or full relief from posttraumatic stress symptoms when using certain types of cognitive-behavioral treatment. As stated above, it is recommended that you seek assistance from your medical doctor or from a mental-health professional who is skilled in the treatment of trauma if:

You are experiencing any symptoms that are causing distress, are causing significant changes in relationships, or are impairing functioning at work
You are self-medicating with alcohol or drugs
You are unable to find relief with the strategies listed above

Coping with PTSD symptoms and the problems they cause is usually a continuing challenge for survivors of trauma. As stated above, those who are able to convert traumas into growth experiences are often able to do so through sudden insight or revelation. For those who develop PTSD, however, recovery is an ongoing, daily, gradual process. It doesn’t happen through sudden insight and there isn’t a quick cure. Healing doesn’t mean that a survivor will forget the trauma experiences or have no emotional pain when remembering them. Some level of continuing reaction to memories is natural and reflects a normal body and mind. Healing may mean that reactions will occur less often and be less intense. Healing also means having a greater ability to manage trauma-related emotions and having greater confidence in one’s ability to cope.

When a trauma survivor takes direct action to cope with problems, he or she often gains a greater sense of personal power and control. Active coping means recognizing and accepting the impact of a traumatic experience and then taking concrete action to improve things.

Seeking Help

Where to get help:

Listed below are some ways to find help. When you call, tell whomever you speak to that you are trying to find a mental-health provider who specializes in helping people who have been through traumatic events and/or who have lost loved ones. Check this website regularly for updated information on how to get help. We will be listing more ways to get help as they become available.

For veterans

VA medical centers and Vet Centers provide veterans with mental-health services that health insurance will cover or that costs little or nothing, according to a veteran’s ability to pay. VA medical centers and Vet Centers are listed in the phone book in the blue Government pages. Under "United States Government Offices," look in the section for "Veterans Affairs, Dept of." In that section look for VA Medical Centers and Clinics listed under "Medical Care" and for "Vet Centers — Counseling and Guidance," and call the one nearest to where you live. On the Internet, go to www.va.gov/ and look for the VHA Facilities Locator link under "Health Benefits and Services," or go to www.va.gov/rcs.

For non-veterans

Some local mental-health services are listed in the phone book in the blue Government pages. In the "County Government Offices" section for the county where you live, look for a "Health Services (Dept. of)" or "Department of Health Services" section. In that section, look for listings under "Mental Health." In the yellow pages, services and mental-health professionals are listed under "counseling," "psychologists," "social workers," "psychotherapists," “social and human services," or "mental health." Health insurance may pay for mental-health services and some are available at low cost according to your ability to pay.

For anyone

Call your doctor’s office or ask friends if they can recommend any mental-health providers.

If you work for a large company or organization, call the Human Resources or Personnel office to find out if they provide mental-health services or make referrals.

If you are a member of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), call to find out if mental-health services are available.

Call the National Center for Victims of Crime's toll-free information and referral service at 1-800-FYI-CALL. This is a comprehensive database of more than 6,700 community service agencies throughout the country that directly support victims of crime.

Contact your local mental-health agencies or family physician. The National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has a fact sheet with information on how to talk to your primary care physician about trauma and PTSD.

Online Resources:

The Anxiety Disorders Association of America offers a referral network of professional therapists as well as a self-help group network.

The National Institute of Mental Health Anxiety Disorders web page has published an extensive list of mental-health organizations to help the consumer find more information about anxiety disorders and related issues as well as to obtain referrals for specialists in different geographical areas.

Sidran offers a referral list of professional therapists as well as a fact sheet on how to choose a therapist for PTSD and dissociative disorders.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) has a website with information on advocacy for those with mental illness, including affiliates who provide family support groups in different states.

About.com's trauma resource page offers a comprehensive listing of information, resources, links, and support groups on a wide array of topics related to trauma, particularly incest and child abuse.

Facts for health offers clinicians a referral database of clinicians who have completed a continuing education course on PTSD or who have been identified by the directors of the Madison Institute of Medicine as being specialists in PTSD.

The holistic health yellow pages offer a referral network of holistic practitioners.

Related Fact Sheets

Coping with traumatic stress

Discussion of behaviors that are helpful for coping with traumatic stress reactions

Psychological resources

Information about protection from disasters afforded by psychological and social resources

Seeking help

A general overview of the nature of PTSD and the resources available to individuals suffering from PTSD

Risk factors

A fact sheet about the risk factors for adverse outcomes in natural and human-caused disasters

References

1. Horowitz, M.J. (1986). Stress-response syndromes: A review of posttraumatic and adjustment disorders. Hospital and Community Psychiatry, 37(3), 241-249.

2. Finkel, N.J., & Jacobsen, C.A. (1977). Significant life experiences in an adult sample. American Journal of Community Psychology 5(2), 165-175.

3. Sprang, G. (2000). Coping strategies and traumatic stress symptomatology following the Oklahoma City bombing. Social Work and Social Sciences Review, 8(2), 207-218.

4. North, C.S., Nixon, S.J., Shariat, S., Mallonee, S., McMillen, J.C., Spitznagel, E.L., & Smith, E.M. (1999). Psychiatric disorders among survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing. Journal of the American Medical Association, 282(8), 755-762.

The information on this Web site is presented for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for informed medical advice or training. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a mental health problem without consulting a qualified health or mental health care provider.

All information contained on these pages is in the public domain unless explicit notice is given to the contrary, and may be copied and distributed without restriction.

For more information call the PTSD Information Line at (802) 296-6300 or send email to ncptsd@ncptsd.org. This page was last updated on Tue Oct 4 15:38:26 2005.

The local schools have a plan in action to deal with the lack of paperwork and records for the children arriving in the area needing to go to school.

Cobb County Schools: Call Transportation at 678-594-8000 to find out which school they attend. Then, contact the school directly and they are prepared to register the kids with whatever paperwork they actually have.

Marietta City: Call Transportation at (770) 429-3110 to find out which school they attend. Then, contact the school directly and they are prepared to register the kids with whatever paperwork they actually have.

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission, which is the state educator preparation and certification agency, has taken the following actions to assist educators displaced by Hurricane Katrina:

Parents seeking child care anywhere in Georgia may call the Georgia Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (GACCRA) to locate a ccr&r to locate child care and school-age programs for displaced citizens of Alabama, the New Orleans area or Mississippi gulf area at 800-466-5681 (or http://www.cobbcollaborative.org/www.gaccrra.org). Counselors will inform families or the child care subsidy (CAPS) or other financial assistance programs that are unique to their respective areas.

Quality Care for Children (the CCR&R for Metro Atlanta, Northwest Georgia and the Macon/Central Georgia areas) is currently recruiting providers that can donate temporary assistance (in the form of care) for these families needing child care. Parents may call QCC directly at 404-479-4240 to find a provider or Georgia Pre-K program. Providers may call 404-479-4222 or 4237.

http://www.nola.com/ - the New Orleans newspaper, bottom left has an area specifically for volunteers, housing etc.

A web site has been set up for people to list available housing units to assist the evacuees in their housing search within Georgia: http://www.georgiahousingsearch.org/

HOUSE of DREAMS - St. Thomas the Apostle SVDP - Located in Smyrna currently has 3 openings for single women evacuees - over 18. The housing is accessible to the Cobb County Transit bus line. Our housing program is equipped to provide all transitional services. Contact HOD at: 770-43 2-8579 ext. 302 please leave a message.

TEMPORARY HOUSING in St. Paul of Cross parish: rent free for up to three months in a two-level house in Mableton (Cobb County). Would be appropriate for one large extended family or two separate families. This location is not accessible to public transportation.
Contact: St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 551 Harwell Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 - 404.696.6704

If your parish group can assist to "adopt" a newly housed family in your area or even in another part of the city, you can get specific information from: Simone Blanchard e-mail: sblanchard@archatl.com 404-885-7265

Connect your empty beds to the emergency national housing drive for hurricane victims who desperately need a place to wait out the storm. You can post your offer of housing (a spare room, extra bed, even a decent couch) and search for available housing online at: www.hurricanehousing.org

The Center for Family Resources is requesting donations of money, non-perishable food items, diapers, baby food, school supplies, toiletries and personal hygiene items. Monetary donations may be made online at http://www.thecfr.org/ or by calling 770-428-2601. Food items and supplies (no clothing) may be dropped off at CFR's new location at 995 Roswell Street, NE, Marietta, GA from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

East Cobb UMC - Roswell and Piedmont Roads, Marietta - Activities Building
M-F 2-6pm; weekends 10am-6pm
Mary Anne Chvala (770) 977-8200. Drop off food will be delivered to MUST

St. Catherine's Episcopal - Holt and Robinson Roads - Main entrance, immediate left
M-F 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-Noon
Jamie Harding (770) 642-8520

Woodstock Furniture Outlet
Acworth - 100 Nolin Road Ext, (678) 255-1000, Maria
Canton - 1024 Marietta Road, (770) 345-1959, Rosemary
Dallas - 52 Village Blvd, (678) 363-1850, Steve
Mon-Sat 9am-6pm

Temple Kol Emeth - Sewell Mill and Old Canton Roads in Marietta - Main entrance
M-Th 8am-5pm; Fri 8am-4pm
Lisa Stone (404) 790-5134

Sweetwater Valley CAMP is currently looking to provide food and clothing to Katrina refugees as well as to other Flood Victims. SV CAMP could use diapers, formula, baby food, and non-perishable food items. Volunteers are also needed to help with distribution from 9am-1pm Monday thru Friday and 9am-12noon Saturday. Call 770.819.0662

Cobb County Department of Family and Children Services are asking for the communities assistance. Many of the victims of the hurricane are moving into the metro Atlanta area. As they apply for assistance from our agency--food stamps and medical-- there can be a delay of up to 5 days before we can get them their food stamp benefit card. We are asking for food assistance for these families to help them during these five days.

These families will need food that does not need to be refrigerated and does not need to be cooked. Many are living in conditions were they do not have access to these items. If you have any questions or can offer any assistance you may contact Mary Wells at 770-528-5094 or Pat Negron at 770-528-5165.

"In The Mean Time" Ministries - Serving dinner to Katrina victims as well as other needy families as follows:

Donations needed: Transportation assistance for families needing dinner; financial assistance, and food. Contact Reverend Donald Moore at 678-285-0720

Papa's Pantry & Family Ministries is also providing food and supplies assistance for families that have been "transplanted" by hurricane Katrina, especially those that are now in Cobb and Cherokee counties. Their general mission is to "partner" with families that are going through a financial crisis throughout the time it takes to get back on their feet. Each family is assisted individually based on their needs. Those that have sought refuge here certainly fit this scenario.

For more information on their ministry services, please visit their website at papaspantry.org or call at 770-591-4730

Services: The Center is currently specializing in walk-in assistance for food, clothes, baby needs, and free meals. Services include:

Donations Accepted: At this time, the Marietta SA Center has significant need for pre-paid gasoline credit cards. In addition, we are accepting:

At this time, our inventory of clothes, toiletries and other supplies are adequate for our population. Located at 202 Waterman St., Marietta, GA, tel. 770-422-8324. The Captains of the Center are Art and Diane Fultz.

First Presbyterian Church of Marietta
> Where: 189 Church St., Marietta
> What they need: Nonperishable food, weekdays at the church office and Sundays at a trailer on the church property. Particularly sought are proteins such as peanut butter, canned meat and dried beans, but also accepted are such items as canned fruits and vegetables and pasta. Milk and cheese will be accepted; boxed milk is preferred. Toiletry items also are welcome. More information: 770-427-0293
Marietta First United Methodist Church
> Where: 56 Whitlock Ave., Marietta
> What they need: Nonperishable food drive, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Financial donations and toiletries will also be accepted. More information: 770-429-7800, Ext. 7822

Catholic Church of St. Ann
The church is working with St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sulphur, La. The Rev. John Welch, who was parochial vicar at St. Ann's, has written asking for help.
> Where: 4905 Roswell Road, in east Cobb; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays
> What they need: Paper products for St. Theresa; baby formula, new clothes and shoes for evacuees. The second collection at this weekend's Masses will be for Catholic Charities USA for hurricane victims.
> More information: 770-552-6400. Mail paper products directly to St. Theresa's Rectory, 4822 Carlyss Drive, Sulphur, LA 70665-7532.

Mount Bethel United Methodist Church
The church, at 4385 Lower Roswell Road in east Cobb, is accepting cash donations that will be forwarded to UMCOR and Trinity UMC in Gulfport, Miss., for on-site relief efforts. It is also seeking gift cards that can be distributed to evacuees. In addition, MBUMC is accepting canned goods and clothes 10 a.m.-2 p.m. daily at two spots: the Missions House and the Christian Activities Center. Information about the church's relief efforts is updated regularly on the MBUMC Web site, http://www.mtbethel.org/katrina/ 770-971-2880.

His Hands Extended Ministries
> Where: 591 Powder Springs St., Marietta.
> What they need: Food and clothes.
> More information: 770-420-2161; lavondabolin@bellsouth.net

Life International Ministries
Food ministry
> Where: 981 Powder Springs St., Smyrna; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays
> More information: 770-789-6009.

Ray-Thomas Memorial Presbyterian Church
A Food Bank is available at Ray-Thomas Memorial Presbyterian Church at 4644 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta. (Near intersection of Cobb, Cherokee and North Fulton counties). Phone number is 770-998-9321. They will make arrangements to meet people and get food according to the needs.

Diamond Dave's Steakhouse
David Ulmer, a New Orleans native and restaurant owner, is collecting nonperishable food, bottled water and baby supplies. Cash donations will go to the American Red Cross.
> Where: Items can be dropped off at Diamond Dave's Steakhouse, 2500 N. Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw, 4 p.m.-3 a.m., and at Runaround Sue's, 1397 Church St. Extension, Marietta.

REFRIGERATOR for St. Paul of the Cross Spiritual Center. The Center also needs 5-6 beds, sheets, pillows, blankets, and other apartment furnishings. Call: 404-696-6704

EXERCISE MACHINE for elderly person who has had recent knee surgery. The walking machine needs to be used for arm and leg movement. Contact: Bobbie Friel at 404-885-7212

TRAILERS, CAMPERS, or MOTOR HOMES...for temporary use or rent for 1-3 months. Some who live on Mississippi Gulf Coast do not have livable housing but need to stay for their jobs and will work on repairing their homes. If you know of a SOURCE for this need, contact: Mark Papania e-mail: mailto:myp7@cdc.gov
phone: H (770) 717-9514. cell (770) 265- 6843 W: (404) 639-8761

BABY ITEMS and TOILETRIES are in HIGH Demand at Catholic Social Services.
Diapers Size 1-5, pull-ups, formula, bottles, bibs, Baby lotion, shampoo, t-shirts, socks, and car seats. Feminine products, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, socks and new underwear is also needed. Please drop off items at 680 West Peachtree NW. If you need info, please call Margaret Prickett 404-885-271

Cobb County Police Department is helping law enforcement personnel and their families in areas hit by the hurricane.
> Where: The drop-off location is at King Springs Baptist Church, 3732 King Springs Road, Smyrna.
> What they need: Clothing and toiletries. Make checks out to CCPD Chaplain Program for Hurricane Relief, 140 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
> More information: www.kingspring.org

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: If you have clients who are in need of clothing, you can send them to Pleasant Grove as they have a lot of clothes for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. When you call ask for the Outreach Program.
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 566 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, GA 30064 (770) 428-3681

Clothing for Students & Families - Eastern Cobb County Council PTA (ECCC) which covers the schools that feed into Wheeler, Walton, Pope, Sprayberry, Lassiter, and Kell High Schools had a clothing drive. We have a trailer that we fondly call the "retail outlet" with a huge room inside the gym as our "warehouse" filled with beautiful school clothes for kids and great quality items for their extended families. Our operation is based out of East Cobb Middle School. We are open from 10-3 M-F and can be open on the weekend by appt.
Contact information is Mary Helen Harris 404-861-3280. Email: ptsamhh@aol.com

Looking for volunteers to serve as receptionists, conduct interviews, and review financial aid applications at our Marietta campus during these hours of operation: Mondays - Fridays, 3pm-5pm. Volunteer shifts will begin Tuesday 10/4. Please call Pam Gauntner at (678) 218-4487 if you would like to volunteer with Operation Helping Hand.

Just a reminder that youth ages 10-17 may serve with a parent or in a group with a 1:7 adult to youth ratio and a release form signed by a parent. Youth release forms are available upon request.

Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, 538 Permalume Place, Atlanta, GA 30318 - Contact Megan Anderson at 404-355-8530, ext 225 or manderson@furniturebankatlanta.org

Cobb Disaster Recovery (CDR), a volunteer-based, long-term coordination committee dedicated to assisting families and individuals impacted by flooding by Hurricane Dennis in Cobb County, is seeking 45 volunteers to work as Case Managers to work over the long term to make in-depth assessment of flood related needs and assist families and individuals in developing a recovery plan. Volunteers are also needed repairing and painting of damaged homes in Cobb County.

To volunteer, please contact our volunteer office at 770.819.0662 x 17 or email info@CobbRecovery.org

Roswell Street Baptist Church
One of Marietta's largest churches is offering meals and gas money to evacuees. A team of church members is planning to go to Slidell, La., to help rebuild a church. Church members are urged to donate to a disaster relief fund set up by the Georgia Baptist Convention.
> More information: 770-424-9800; http://www.roswellstreet.com/

Smyrna First United Methodist Church
The church is serving as a drop-off point 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily for materials used to assemble flood buckets and health kits.
> Where: 1315 Concord Road, Smyrna
> What they need: Bleach, scouring pads, assorted sponges, scrub brushes, cleaning towels, dishwasher and laundry detergent, clotheslines, clothespins, dust masks, rubber gloves, work gloves, insect repellent and large trash bags. Health kits include toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, Band-Aids, soap, hand towels, washcloths, metal nail files and nail clippers. More information: 770-436-4108

Serta Bedding Company in Grovetown is willing and able to provide bedding (mattresses and boxsprings) to displaced families and shelters aiding Katrina victims. Serta/Grovetown is focusing only on families/shelters in GA and N. Florida. If you know of any agencies, churches, shelters, families in Augusta and elsewhere in GA and N. Florida in need of bedding, please contact: Taylor L. Woodward, Plant Controller - Grovetown - (706) 854-1888 ext 3206 or mailto:twoodward@sertanational.com

We have specific needs brought to our attention from the Centers for Independent Living in Hattiesburg, Shreveport, Jackson, and Baton Rouge.
FODAC still needs adult diapers, chux, liquid nutrition, wheelchairs, hospital beds, catheters, and other assorted medical items for shipping
to the Hurricane victims in those cities. Due to limited local trucking capacity, FODAC is asking people to donate these items to Bomber Battery in Marrietta (770 422-3111), Sweetwater Valley Camp in Austell (770 819-0662), Freedom Medical in Fayetteville (678 817-7281), or to Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too!
(FODAC) in Stone Mountain (770 491-9014).

Gifts In Kind Atlanta, United Way 211 has a donor that would like to donate cell phones with minutes to nonprofits assisting with the Katrina relief efforts. Please tell us if your nonprofit has a need to provide cell phone usage to evacuees and/or volunteers, and how many cell phones you need.
We need to know how the cell phones will be utilized and how many evacuees your nonprofit is serving. Let us know by contacting:
Quinsana Beaty, Member Services Coordinator at 404-527-8831 or qbeaty@unitedwayatlanta.org

Voicemail Service - Community Voice Mail is offering free, personal voice mail boxes with a toll free contact number. Visit http://www.cvm.org/

Dr. Bill Wallace is a Family Practitioner whose group has volunteered to see ANY hurricane victims (adults and children) for FREE without an appointment. They would just need to come in and he said that they would work them in.
Their address is: 2480 Windy Hill Road, Suite 200 (they are next to the hospital)
Phone: 770-952-4456
Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5, Saturday 8-1

Sweetwater Valley CAMP
The free Community Health Center will assist evacuees with medical prescriptions and nonemergency health needs. It will have doctors and nurses available at 5 p.m. Wednesdays and will see as many patients as possible for three hours. Center has in stock and will distribute free prescription medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma and thyroid. These are typical "maintenance" medications designed to prevent major medical complications.
Where: 6289 Veterans Memorial Highway, Austell

KatrinaHealth.org - an online service for authorized health professionals to gain electronic access to prescription medication records for evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. The information on the site was compiled and made accessible by a broad group of private companies, public agencies, and national organizations, including medical software companies, pharmacy benefit managers, chain pharmacies, local, state, and federal agencies, and a national foundation. Authorized healthcare professionals and pharmacies will have access to evacuees' medication and dosage information in order to renew prescriptions, prescribe new medications, and coordinate care. The information will be accessible from anywhere in the country.

Medical Prescriptions - CVS is giving free prescriptions to Katrina evacuees

Hearing Aid Assistance - For anyone who is experiencing hearing aid problems or who has lost their hearing aid, free help is being offered at Hearing Solutions in Marietta. Please contact the office at 770-425-1095 for more information.

Persons with HIV/AIDS - Public health's Prevention Services Branch, AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) is also suspending all qualifying criteria to provide medications to displaced persons with HIV/AIDS. Georgia ADAP will continue to provide assistance through normal channels but has also developed a shortened version of the ADAP application for displaced persons from Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. All Title II funded clinics across the state are able to serve HIV positive displaced persons with primary medical care and treatment. Within the Metro area the Grady Infectious Disease Program (IDP) at 341 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308 is also providing care and medications to displaced persons with HIV/AIDS. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. To enroll in the ADAP program, contact the state ADAP office at 404-657-3100.

Veteran Assistance
Toll Free Number Established for Veterans: South Central VA Health Care Network has established a toll free number for veterans who receive care at the VA Gulf Coast Health Care System (Biloxi and Gulfport campuses) and the New Orleans VA Medical Center. The phone line, 1-800-507-4571, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This phone number may also be used by families and friends requiring information about patients from those VA facilities affected by Hurricane Katrina. Veterans may call with questions such as where to access health care, how to receive their prescription drugs, or any other concerns they may have about their care. Earlier, a toll free number was established to provide information to employees of the VA Gulf Coast Health Care System (Biloxi and Gulfport campuses) and the New Orleans VA Medical Center. This number, 1-888-766-2474, is open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. (CDT) daily. Employees may also receive information from the network's website at www.visn16.med.va.gov.

Job Corps - Makes 4000 Spots Available for Young Adults Impacted by Hurricane Katrina

Job Corps provides economically disadvantaged young people ages 16 through 24 education and career skills training, meals, housing, and medical care at no cost to participants at 122 centers across the country. Hurricane evacuees looking for a path to productive employment can fill more than 4,000 Job Corps residential openings now. Job Corps offers more than 100 career training programs in areas such as Construction, Health Care, Business and Finance, Manufacturing, Automotive, Hospitality, and others. Job Corps students may stay up to two years during training.

Job Corps has created an expedited enrollment process for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. The program will assist individuals with immediate relocation. Outreach and admissions staff are located across the country and can share additional information about the program and its benefits. For more information about Job Corps, call (800) 733-5627, or visit http://jobcorps.doleta.gov./

The US Chamber of Commerce Center for Corporate Citizens (CCC) has joined with Cobb Chamber Member IBM to launch http://www.jobs4recovery.com/, a "one-stop" shop for connecting job-seekers from areas impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita with employment opportunities.

Jobs4Recovery is a search portal that integrates employment opportunity information from job engines Monster.com, HotJobs.com, JobCentral.com and similar Websites to aid in bolstering local economies during the recovery effort. The Website allows people to conduct targeted searches for jobs in the location where they want to work or to browse all available opportunities by state and by map.

Employers wishing to post a job can do so through www.JobCentral.com, a free job posting service available through Jobs4Recovery.com. New sites are being added as they are received. Send other job resources to jobs4recovery@uschamber.com with the subject line "Job".

Temple Kol Emeth
The temple is coordinating its effort with area service agencies. It is also developing a jobs database. It is looking for people who may have homes to offer evacuees. The congregation asks that donated items be sorted and labeled.
> Where:: 1415 Old Canton Road in east Cobb
> What they need: Clothing, baby items, nonperishable food items and money. The items can be brought to the office 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays. More information: 770-973-3533

St. Ann Career Quest
As an outgrowth of our job networking services to our own communities several Churches and Temples (23 +2) have banded together to provided job networking services to Katrina Survivors. We call ourselves Atlanta Jobs 4 Katrina Survivors - through job networking. We attend job fairs; reviewing resumes and answering general employment questions and we also hold our own job networks. Contact: Tom Chernetsky at 770 552 6400 ext 6104

The library is offering FREE visitor cards to people from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The card enables them to use the Internet to search, computers to do e-mail and word processing and to check out materials. The library is located at 266 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA. For more information, you can call (770) 528-2320 or visit http://www.cobbcat.org/

Cobb County Senior Services: Seniors 60 and over may contact our Information and Referral line M-F from 8-5 for information on local, state and national resources, case management assistance and eligibility for the following services: meals for people with dietary restrictions, Senior Day Care, Neighborhood Center space availability, transportation, supplies (Depends, Ensure, etc.) and disability assistance needs (walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc.). The I & R number is 770-528-5364

AARP Senior Employment Program - Project Director, Jerome Webb, will hire seniors 55 and older who are displaced due to the hurricane. Mr. Webb would also like to hire 100 seniors who have proof residency from their home state. Contact him at 404-892-4446. Address: 1718 Peachtree St NW, Suite 991, Atlanta, 30324

It is very important to contact your creditors and utility companies to let them know you are a Hurricane Survivor and you need to work out arrangements. Often they will work out partial payment arrangements or put payments onto the end of your loan giving you some time to get back on your feet.
Contact your bank concerning any loans you have - and ask if payment can be deferred or added to the end of the loan - if a grace period can be extended while you file insurance claims on home and auto. Pay your bills with cash on hand - you can get assistance for food easier than for money.
Look into a loan on your 401K if necessary. If you still owe 2004 Taxes - contact the IRS and ask for an extension - they have setup special arrangements for Hurricane Survivors. Contact National Foundation for Credit Counseling at 1-800-388-2227 or http://www.nfcc.org/ - click on Member Agency Locator and find help in your area - they will work with you and your creditors and work out payment arrangements.

Information for Bank, Thrift or Credit Union Customers Affected by Hurricane Katrina

CONTACTS FOR CUSTOMERS:
Office of Financial Institutions (banks, thrifts, and credit unions) - They will help you obtain information about your specific financial institution.
o Local Number - (225)925-4660
o Toll Free Nationwide -1(866)783-5530
o Toll Free In-state -1(888)525-9414
o Website - http://www.ofi.louisiana.gov/
o Bank Website- http://www.fdic.gov/hurricane/index.html Phone: 1(877)275-3342

The FDIC website has information regarding frequently asked questions and contact information for banks in the New Orleans area.
o Credit Union Website- http://www.ncua.gov/ Phone: 1(800)827-6282
o Thrift Website -http://www.ots.treas.gov/ Phone: 1-(800)842-6929
o National Bank Website - http://www.occ.treas.gov/ Phone: 1(800)613-6743
o If customers do not have Internet access or need further assistance, they should call the Office of Financial Institutions.

FEMA - Debit Cards Available
The cards will be issued on a one-per-household basis. As a safeguard against fraud, FEMA will use aerial photographs of devastated areas to verify that the refugees were, indeed, forced from their homes in cases where they cannot provide documents to prove their losses or identities. FEMA is working to set up registration centers in shelters across the country. Evacuees can get the debit cards by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or going to the agency's web site at http://www.fema.gov/.

Food Stamps
Currently, DHR's Division of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) staff are on-site at area shelters to provide support to the American Red Cross in the operation of 16 shelters across Georgia that are serving 1,504 displaced residents. DFCS has also relaxed Food Stamp restrictions, issuing special Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to displaced persons from Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Those evacuees who receive these benefit cards will receive the maximum amount of aid allowed for their household size. This card can be used at all point-of-sale machines that are approved to accept the PEACH EBT cards. Displaced persons from Louisiana and Mississippi (but not Alabama) who were already receiving food stamp benefits in their home states, but do not have their EBT card, can give the EBT card number and enter their PIN at local grocery stores to access their benefits. If the card number is not known, please contact the EBT customer service center to obtain replacement cards: Louisiana (1-888-997-1117); Mississippi (1-866-449-9488); Alabama (1-800-997-8888). DFCS will continue to provide immediate food aide for all Hurricane evacuees seeking emergency assistance.

WIC Vouchers
The Georgia Women Infants and Children (WIC) program has relaxed income, residency and identification requirements for displaced persons from Alabama and Louisiana. Currently, displaced persons with WIC vouchers from Louisiana and Alabama will be accepted in Georgia at all WIC vendors, and those without vouchers can enroll in the Georgia WIC program to receive them.

Child Support - To get assistance with child support - check the Federal Office of Child Support website: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/ - to find an office in your area.

Unemployment Benefits - GA Dept of Labor has advised….to get unemployment for people that were working or receiving unemployment during Hurricane Katrina that are now residing in GA can call the following numbers below:

If you lived in Louisiana you must dial 404.656.6000, press 1, and enter the zip code of where you are residing now in GA. If you lived in Mississippi you must dial 1.877.709.8185, if no luck with that number try the LA residents number again **you may be asked and need to know Social Security Number or ID Number and name of employer if it is available. However if you don't have all of that…Just carefully explain your circumstances to person on the phone.

This is a campaign to help the families of National Guardsmen currently serving in Iraq who have been left homeless by Hurricane Katrina. Monies raised will go directly to the families of those service members deployed overseas, who live in the Gulf Region. In Louisiana and Mississippi, the states hit hardest by the hurricane, up to 40 percent of their National Guard troops are on active duty in Iraq.

Displaced Residents - All displaced residents requesting assistance are advised to contact DHR Constituent Services at 404-651-6316 or 888-295-1769. The following numbers can also be used for families to locate loved ones from Alabama 866-GET-INFO, Louisiana 225-925-7345 and Mississippi 866-438-4636.

Residents needing Homeless Services Coordination and Information about services in their area can contact Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness at 1.877.243.1576 .

(information forwarded by Southern Center for Human Rights (404) 688-1202 ext. 225)

Latest info is that all OPP prisoners who are still in state custody are currently being held at either Angola (225) 655-4411 or Hunts (225) 642-3306. Folks looking for their people should call those numbers and ask to speak to their loved ones directly. You will probably be told that's not possible. If officials won't connect you directly, demand that the prison official pass on a message, and then call back later in the day to confirm that the message has been passed on. There is word also that people who were being held at OPP on less than $1000 bond either will or could (depending on who you talk to) be released if a family calls and is able to provide some kind of address. Other family members have been told that records are not available yet, but once the computer system (?) is up, they intend on holding hearings in "a couple of weeks" to process releases.

We have not been able to find out how many of the 6000+ OPP prisoners are accounted for. The NYTimes reports that Sheriff Gusman claims the prisoners have all been moved outside the city. As of this morning, however, it seems the OPP computer system was still down, so it is hard to fathom how the Sheriff could credibly make such a claim. We have heard disturbing accounts of the evacuation of OPP. If you have any first or second person accounts, please send/forward here to my email lkung@schr.org and/or xochit@mediajumpstart.org.

It seems Gretna in Jefferson Parish was evacuated as well, but we have no information on when or how it was evacuated. We found one individual at Angola, so if your person was at Gretna, you should probably call Angola or Hunts (see above).

We also know now that at least some of the people who were arrested during the general evacuation are now being held at Gretna (504) 374-7700 in Jefferson Parish. The media reports earlier in the week reported people arrested were being held in the Greyhound station. We don't know whether this is still the case, and haven't been able to get a phone number for families to call.

All youths held in Bridge City Center for Youth (BCCY) are accounted for and are now held at Jetson Correctional Center. Call Jetson at (225) 778-9000 and ask for John Anderson, Michael Gaines, Ricky Wright, or Linda London. Family members should demand that their child be brought to the phone immediately and be allowed to talk to their family.

Youths held at the Youth Study Center, Plaquemine Detention Center, St. Bernard Center, Terrebonne Detention Center, and Riverde Detention Center have been routed to placements in other parts of the state. Family members should call Perla at (225) 287-7988 or (225) 328-3607 (cell) or Stacey at (225) 287-7955 to find out where their child is located. Ask Perla for a phone number, call, and demand that they be permitted to speak to their child immediately on the phone.
FFLIC has not confirmed that all youths have been accounted for.

We do not yet know where people age 16 or under who were arrested during the general evacuation are being held.

Coast Guard site: Submit a missing/stranded person request at http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/home.do(Each one is assigned a case number and it can be used to update a person's status when found)

Safe in Katrina's wake: CNN.com has been posting the names of those who wish to let loved ones know they are alright after the storm. If you were in Katrina's path and want to post your name here, please long on to http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/hurricanes/list/ to send an e-mail to the Hurricane Victims Desk. Please allow time for our staff to sort and post your name.

Additional Website listings that have been setup for you to register or lookup family and friends:

HURRICANE KATRINA FRIENDS & FAMILY LOCATOR 1-877-206-7500
Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA - 9/1/05 - OmVox Telecom and Window Canvas, both of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, have created a new toll-free communications service, allowing family members displaced by Hurricane Katrina to communicate with one another via "reverse voice mail".
Storm victims can call 1-877-206-7500, enter a 10-digit telephone number such as their home, office, or cell number, and leave a 3-minute voicemail message, letting others know of their whereabouts and safety. Family members can call 1-877-206-7500, enter the 10-digit telephone number of their loved one and listen to any messages left by missing family members.

http://www.cobbcollaborative.org/WWW.SPOTSOCIETY.ORG - SPOT is a 501-C-3 Non Profit Organization who has absolutely NO paid employees and relies on an all volunteer group of dedicated animal lovers and the financial support of the public. They spay or neuter any of the animals from the Hurricane stricken area whose families/guardians have relocated to the metro Atlanta Area.

Has established a bulletin board of information related to individuals with disabilities, organizations and initiatives to establish support for hurricane victims.
More information: http://www.disabilitypreparedness.org/

HurricaneHelp (back to the top) - This is a service to help connect Hurricane Katrina victims with their friends and family: http://katrina.earthlink.net/

HOPE For The Hurting - The website is designed to empower those in need with information and hope: http://hopeforthehurting.com/
Also has a Hurricane Relieve Action Plan for faith-based organizations.

This website has pages devoted to helping children cope following a hurricane. Explanations are provided about how children will often respond during a hurricane's aftermath, and what can be done to help them, as well as their parents or caregivers, during such a difficult time.

Residents needing Homeless Services Coordination and Information about services in their area can contact Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness at 1.877.243.1576 .

(information forwarded by Southern Center for Human Rights (404) 688-1202 ext. 225)

We do not yet know where people age 16 or under who were arrested during the general evacuation are being held.