There is a new disaster distress helpline available for Virgin Islanders still coping with challenges resulting from the impact of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria or other problems.
Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, the service is free nationwide and available for Virgin Islanders too.
According to United Way of the Virgin Islands, the line can help link people up with counseling and assistance.
The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The toll-free number is multilingual and offers confidential crisis support services to all residents in the United States and its territories.
Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster.
Calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting TalkWithUs to 66746 will connect the caller with a trained crisis counselor.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
More information is available by contacting the United Way USVI office at 340-774-3185, sending email to assistance@unitedwayusvi.org, or visit www.unitedwayusvi.org online.
The United Way also reminded residents they can volunteer and help by email to volunteer@unitedwayusvi.org.
