COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — Natural disasters can destroy buildings and endanger communities. As people recover from their impact, they can also damage people's mental health. So, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency sent a team to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene to help address mental health concerns.
The agency said the team was made up of 18 members of the Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains — a nonprofit that said it's nondenominational and nonsectarian with a non-proselytization policy. Its primary focus is to provide aid and comfort during challenging times, according to its website.
TEMA said its Mental Health Strike Team conducted 4,400 one-on-one debriefings and 250 consultations. It also said members worked 2,900 hours in affected areas.
People whose mental health was impacted by Hurricane Helene can also reach out to other resources for help if they need it. The Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line is available at 855-274-7471 and connects callers with people who can help guide them to appropriate support.
People can also dial or text 988 to connect with the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and speak with a person who will hear them out and provide resources that may be helpful.
