September 9, 2005 -- SAMHSA Sets Crisis Hotline for Persons Affected by Hurricane

Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions that many people may be experiencing in the wake of hurricane Katrina, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wants people in crisis to know they can call a hotline and speak to a trained counselor in one of the local crisis centers across the country. The network, run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), involves more than 110 certified crisis centers where people who are in emotional distress or suicidal can call at any time from anywhere in the nation, to talk to a worker about their problems and to receive immediate referral to local “resources and expertise,” according to SAMHSA. The number for the toll-free hotline is 1-800-273-TALK, or 1-800-273-8255.