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Contact: Richard Kellogg, 360-902-0783, kellore@dshs.wa.gov
Contact: Karie Castleberry, 360-902-0799, castlka@dshs.wa.gov
Contact: Rena Shawver, 360-902-7696, shawvrc@dshs.wa.gov

February 12, 2008
Federal disaster officials agree to extend disaster outreach in flood- and windstorm-impacted areas of Western Washington

OLYMPIA -- Federal disaster officials notified the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) this week that it would temporarily extend funding for Disaster Outreach Services, a program aimed to provide emotional support, information and service referrals to Southwest Washington residents hit hardest by last December's windstorm and flooding.

The 30-day extension by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will give the federal Center for Mental Health Services time to review the state's application for another nine months of funding.

Washington State Mental Health Director Richard Kellogg said the federal action should prevent any interruption of services in the six counties affected by the storm.

Nearly 50 trained disaster outreach workers have been working in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Thurston, Mason, Pacific, and Wahkiakum counties over the past two months, going door-to-door and talking to community groups to find and support people in need of assistance during storm recovery. In the first month of operations, the workers made more than 1,500 individual contacts, met with representatives of nearly 300 groups and made more than 2,000 referrals to other community resources.

"As time goes on, communities and individuals will begin to recognize the limits of disaster assistance that is available," says Karie Castleberry, M.A., Administrative Director for Disaster Outreach Services. "That's when discouragement, fatigue, physical exhaustion and a feeling of being overwhelmed can occur – and that’s why it's so important for our services to be in place over the long haul, not just in the immediate wake of a disaster.

"We want to be sure that the communities and individuals hit the hardest know that there will be supportive counseling and outreach available when they need it."

Disaster Outreach Services provides 24-hour support to storm victims through a toll-free number, 1-800-850-8775.

FOR ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND, CONTACT:  Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-902-7604 (Pager: 360-971-4067).
Modification Date: Feburary 12, 2008 For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Social and Health Services go to the DSHS Contact Information web page.
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