Extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Helene, can have both immediate and long-term detrimental effects on mental health of residents.
Local mental health professionals are offering advice and assistance. Dr. Richard Zenn, Chief Medical Officer for Vaya Health, spoke with BPR's Laura Lee about advice for adults and children in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Children may have special mental health needs as they face isolation after the storm. BPR's Laura Hackett s oke with school counselor Jesse Pitt – who is currently volunteering at Wesley Grant distribution center – to learn more about how students are dealing with closed schools.
For assistance, call the Vaya Behavioral Health crisis line at 1-800-849-6127. Individuals can also call or text the National Crisis lifeline at 988.