NEW ORLEANS— Mayor Mitch Landrieu, the City of New Orleans Health Department and the Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD) announced efforts to raise awareness of mental health resources in advance of the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
The 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina may be a tense time for many New Orleanians, particularly those who directly experienced the storm and its aftermath. The psychological effects of disasters are long-lasting and the commemorative activities associated with Katrina 10 may provoke a strong reaction among survivors who experienced trauma.
“While we hope the Katrina 10 commemoration will be a unifying event for our city, this is also bound to be a stressful time for many, especially those who directly experienced Katrina and the storm’s aftermath,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “I encourage all residents to participate in as many of the citywide commemorative activities as they can, but I also want to encourage everyone to be mindful of their own feelings and that of friends and family who may be struggling. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out; we are here to help. In addition to showcasing our resilience, this anniversary is also a time to heal.”
The Health Department has been working in partnership with the MHSD to incorporate mental health awareness as a part of Katina 10 activities. Key messages to convey to friends, family, students and employees during this time include:
• It is important to practice self-care (e.g. exercising and eating healthy foods; getting sufficient sleep; connecting with family and friends).
• Strong feelings are natural.
• A more serious problem may require help.
• Counseling and resources are available 24 hours through the MHSD hotline (504-568-3130).
Director of the New Orleans Health Department Charlotte Parent said, “For many New Orleanians – whether we lost a loved one in the storm or not – Katrina is like a death. We lost something on August 29, 2005, and the city was forever changed. Despite all we have to commemorate, we may still feel sad, upset, or down as the 10th anniversary approaches. Mental health must be talked about, and no one should feel ashamed or embarrassed for seeking out mental health services. Getting help is the right thing to do.”
Executive Director of the Metropolitan Human Services District Yolanda Webb said, “An important part of the healing narrative for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina is to know where help and hope can be found. MHSD Mental Health, Addiction and Developmental Disability Services is here to provide help and access to hope – 24/7.”
City of New Orleans Coroner Dr. Jeffrey Rouse said, “The mind of a New Orleanian can be as strong as our soul and as resilient as our heart. When emotions overwhelm or behaviors need change, there is help. Reach out. Strong mental health is true freedom.”
President and CEO of Children's Bureau of New Orleans Paulette Carter, said, "Research shows us that, if left untreated, trauma can get under the skin and lead to long term mental and physical health problems, especially for those individuals who have experienced multiple childhood traumas, or adverse childhood experiences. We are so fortunate to have both the City of New Orleans Health Department and Metropolitan Human Services District as our partners in providing these essential trauma services for families in our community."
Dr. Torin T. Sanders of the Sixth Baptist Church said, “As each institution of faith reopened after the storm, our people became stronger and our city became better. When the clinics and agencies are not open, when they seem too daunting to access, people in trouble seek and expect their church, their place of worship, to provide comfort. Faith communities provide just that, a community of helpers, a spiritual army of caregivers.”
District B Councilmember LaToya Cantrell said, “Many of our problems — like homelessness, family trauma, crime and addiction – all have roots in untreated mental health issues. These stigmas around mental illness prevent our community from reaching its full potential, and it’s vital that we address these ongoing issues as we approach the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.”
District D Councilmember Jared Brossett said, “It is clear that there has long been a need to increase public investment in mental and behavioral health. This need was further exacerbated by the devastation and displacement caused by Hurricane Katrina. Thus, as we mark the 10th anniversary of this disaster, it is appropriate that we prioritize mental health services.”
How To Get Help
The people of New Orleans have shown a great ability to recover in the 10 years since Hurricane Katrina. It’s important to remember that the 10th anniversary of Katrina will bring about different emotional and physical reactions for everyone.
If you or someone you care about needs help, please call MHSD Mental Health, Addiction, Development Disability at (504) 568-3130
MHSD Mobile Presence
The Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) and other crisis mental health services that are regularly offered by MHSD will continue to be available throughout the 10th anniversary of Katrina. The Mobile Crisis Response Team will be available at the following events:
Disaster Preparedness Event for Nonprofits
Friday, August 21, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130
New Orleans East Celebration of Families and Neighborhoods
Saturday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Joe Brown Park/ Victory Track, 5601 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127 (second entrance)
The Spirit of the People of St. Bernard: Portraits and Videos
Wednesday, August 26, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Riverhouse at Crevasse 22, 8122 Saro Lane, Poydras, LA
Katrina 10 Citywide Day of Service
Saturday, August 29, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Algiers—Behrman Stadium, 2529 General Meyer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114
K10 Commemoration: Power of Community
Saturday, August 29, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr. New Orleans, LA
Support for City Employees
The Health Department is working with City employees through the City’s employee assistance program (EAP). United Healthcare will provide several “dialogue sessions” during the two weeks leading up to the anniversary where employees can come to speak with others who are experiencing feelings related to the anniversary. Counselors will be available and information on locations and times will be posted on the City’s internal Neutral Ground website and shared with department heads. The Health Department encourages all local employers to be mindful of their employee’s feelings and emotions during citywide commemorative activities.
