OLYMPIA -- With news of Midwestern floods in the headlines, residents of Southwestern Washington continue to struggle with the aftermath of the windstorms and flooding that lashed the state in December 2007.

The Department of Social and Health Services announced that a nearly $1.3 million federal grant will allow the state to continue funding Disaster Outreach Services in that region through 2008.

Most of the United States Department of Health and Human Services grant will be used to cover the cost of about 20 trained outreach workers who provide counseling support, information and resource referrals to residents still recovering from the devastation of last December's windstorms and flooding.

"During my many visits to Southwest Washington, I witnessed unimaginable hardships," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "I applaud the efforts to secure additional funding for the DOS. We need to, and will do what we can to ensure the safety and health of all those affected by the tragic flooding."

Recovering from a natural disaster takes time. Six to seven months after a disaster is the time when many survivors begin to realize their losses and perhaps relive their storm experiences.

"Any natural disaster brings changes that are life-altering," said Karie Castleberry, administrator for Disaster Outreach Services, a DSHS program. "This grant will allow us to continue to reach out to serve Washington residents who may be experiencing strong emotional reactions to the storm and need additional support to move their lives forward."

Castleberry said the announcement to extend Disaster Outreach Services through the end of the year is particularly timely and important for Southwest Washington residents who may also be affected by the news of flooding in the Midwest.

"We're all watching the news coverage with pain and concern for those affected, but for those who are still recovering from the December storms in Washington, this news may trigger some strong emotional reactions as they relive their own experiences." Castleberry added that a sense of panic, anxiety and fear may be normal and expected from storm survivors watching the news coverage.

"We want residents to know that help is available, that they haven't been forgotten and that we're working hard to make sure they get the help they need," said Castleberry.

Within the first few weeks of the disaster, DSHS-led teams were providing training and staffing for public outreach, a public education campaign and informational and educational materials through Disaster Outreach Services. Much of the work has been done in collaboration with local institutions and health outlets, including long-term recovery agencies and community mental health providers.

Coping skills vary, depending on the individual and his or her circumstances.

"Some people will recover more quickly than others, and that is common," said Castleberry. "Our services are for anyone who feels like they need someone to talk to and find the support they need to move forward with their lives."

Of particular concern are the elderly, children and some minority populations as they often need a little assistance to break down barriers to a successful recovery. She also said that the chain-reaction that spreads through various industries vital to the local economy will bring many emotional reactions as well.

The catastrophic flooding and windstorms struck as three consecutive storms in early December 2007, hammering Puget Sound and coastal areas between December 1 and December 4. A Presidential Declaration for emergency support was issued on December 8. Since then, Disaster Outreach Services has served thousands of Southwest Washington residents.

Residents can access the support of Disaster Outreach Services for free and talk to a trained outreach worker by calling the state's Disaster Outreach Services hotline at 1-800-850-8775. DOS also offers a Web page with additional information at: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/DisasterOutreachServices

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND: Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-902-7604 (Pager: 360-971-4067).