Help for 9/11 effects
Red Cross funds available for mental health, substance abuse
treatment

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By Tom Jennemann
Reporter staff writer 09/03/2005

STILL DIFFICULT – As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, many may
still be feeling the symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Pictured is
memorial in Hoboken that lists the city's 52 victims.
The fourth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack is
approaching, which can trigger once again the emotional effects of
the tragedy, say mental health professionals.

For those having problems coping, a Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Program is available to help pay for mental health and
substance abuse treatment.

Funded by the American Red Cross, this program provides financial
assistance to those who were affected by 9/11 and their family
members, including spouses and children, or others who may have
shared a home with them at the time of the attacks.

According to Lisa Furst, clinical coordinator of the Sept. 11
Recovery Program, over 8,000 people have enrolled in the program
since its launch in August 2002.

Furst said that even four years later, it's not uncommon for people
to have lingering symptoms that were brought about by the trauma of
9/11.

"It was huge event in the history of this country, and there are
going to be people that are still suffering long-term effects,"
Furst said. She added that there are also a large number of people
who have been suffering but have not sought out treatment.

She noted that the program is currently enrolling about 50 people
per week, but that she expects that number to rise in the next
couple of weeks.

"The anniversary is a marker event," she said, "where symptoms can
intensify."

What to look for

According to mental health professionals, it is important to
recognize symptoms of anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress.
Signs include decreased appetite, weight loss, sleep disturbance,
drug use, clenching jaw, sweaty palms, memory loss, a feeling that
life is not worth living, and an inability to take pleasure in the
activities that one used to enjoy the most.

Mental health professionals claim that many people in the Hudson
County area still experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
a condition that can lie dormant before it surfaces. PTSD is found
in those who experienced, witnessed, or were confronted with an
event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious
injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of one's self or
others. People may keep flashing back to the event and experience
intense fear, helplessness or horror.

Experts estimate that a quarter or more of those affected may have
symptoms severe enough to interfere with everyday life for months
and even years.

Types of treatment

The American Red Cross helps cover the cost of mental health
treatment, including individual, family, couples and group
counseling, auricular acupuncture, and psychotropic medication.

"We don't want financial aid to be a barrier from someone receiving
treatment," Furst said.

The program provides assistance for: up to 32 sessions of outpatient
mental health counseling or auricular acupuncture; up to 32 sessions
of outpatient substance abuse counseling or auricular acupuncture;
up to $1,500 for psychotropic medications and substance abuse
screenings; up to 30 days of partial or inpatient hospitalization
for mental health conditions; up to 30 days of partial or inpatient
hospitalization for substance abuse conditions; and for young people
through age 21, up to eight hours of psychological evaluations and
testing.

Mental health professionals who administer the 9/11 Mental Health
and Substance Abuse Program, as well as clients who were affected by
9/11 and enrolled in the program, are available to discuss anxiety
and post-traumatic stress symptoms resulting from terrorism and the
benefits of getting help.



Who's eligible

Participation is also open to those who lost a family member; were
seriously injured; worked south of Chambers Street whether or not
they were at work that day; lost a job or at least 30 percent of
income directly as a result of the attacks; attended school close to
the World Trade Center; or were deployed officially as rescue or
recovery workers.

According to Furst, participants may seek a variety of mental health
or substance abuse services including individual or group
counseling, medication, in-patient or out-patient detoxification or
rehabilitation from the licensed provider of their choice. For more
information, visit www.9-11MentalHealth.org or call (800) LIFE-NET,
the 24/7 mental health hotline operated by the Mental Health
Association of New York City.