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Flood Recovery Partners here to help those affected by recent flooding |
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By Daniel McGonigle
Argus Managing Editor
As people continue to make their way back to some sort of normalcy following the August flooding, issues such as ongoing red tape with insurance and government agencies, endless work repairing damaged property, financial struggles, depression, frustration, anger and anxiety, are very real issues people are faced with.
In a collaborative partnership between the Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, Winona Health and the Zumbro Valley Mental Health Center, an agency called Flood Recovery Partners has been created to offer help.
“It is not unusual for these experiences (depression, financial struggles, etc...) to continue for several months,” said Heather Geerts, the Program Manager for Flood Recovery Partners. “Learning to recognize the normal reactions and emotions that occur can help you better understand these feelings, and become more comfortable and effective in coping with them.”
Flood Recovery Partners is a federally funded Crisis Counseling Program for individuals, families and groups in Southeastern Minnesota affected by the flood of August, 2007.
The group provides emotional support, counseling, information and referral services for survivors of the flood.
What I can expect
“There are many concerns, adjustments and ordeals that follow the experience of a disaster,” said Geerts. “Generally, within a short time there is the reality of financial setbacks and the loss of property and personal possessions. The endless adjustments that you and your family must make will put additional stress on relationships and daily living.”
Geerts said people may also grow physically and mentally weary from the daunting and enormous task of clean-up and rebuilding following a disaster.
How to cope, what works
“Talk to others about how you are feeling,” she said. “It is important to talk about your experiences. You need to express sadness, grief, anger and fears over what has happened.”
Geerts also recommends not overworking yourself and taking time off from repairs to be with your family.
“Take time for reaction, relaxation, or a favorite hobby,” she says. “Do not let yourself become isolated. Seek out and maintain connections with your community, friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers or church members. Talk about your experiences with them.”
Paying close attention to your physical health is also something that Geerts and the organization recommends.
“Pay close attention to your physical health as prolonged stress takes its toll on the body,” said Geerts. “Maintain a good diet and make sure you are getting enough sleep. It is also helpful to be physically active or to exercise.”
Local hours
Office hours are now being maintained in Houston, Winona, Wabasha, Omstead, Dodge and Fillmore counties.
In Houston County office hours are maintained each Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Brownsville Community Center, and in Houston at the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. also on Wednesday.
In Fillmore County office hours are Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Rushford Clinic in Rushford.
To set up an appointment in Houston County you can call 1-800-973-7420 or in Fillmore County 1-888-771-5109.
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