EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Through funding from FEMA, health provider Trillium Health Resources will employ 62 crisis counselors across eastern North Carolina to visit homes, schools, and churches in 12 counties, including New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender.
According to a release from Trillium Friday morning, the Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) will offer emotional support, education on available resources, and referrals to providers when necessary, regardless of insurance or Medicaid status.
Trillium focuses its care on substance use, mental illness, and intellectual and developmental disabilities in 26 counties in eastern North Carolina.
The CCP will operate under the direction of Hope4NC, a program developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services after Hurricane Matthew devastated the region in 2016. It was created to address behavioral health, housing, and food needs for those affected by storms.
Residents who wish to participate will not be required to provide any personal information when speaking with CCP counselors.
“Along with visiting homes, the staff will share details with community groups on disaster reactions, coping skills, stress management, and other aspects through standardized materials provided by CCP,” Trillium spokesperson Jennifer Mackethan said.
Mackethan also said that Trillium staff will make home visits until the fall of 2019, and urged those who know someone in need of help to call Hope4NC at 1-855-587-3463 or Trillium at 1-877-685-2415.
Anonymous calls will be accepted. Other numbers include:
- Disaster Distress Talkline: 1-800-985-5990 (or text “talkwithus” to 66746; for Spanish, text “Hablanos” to 66749.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance: 1-866-795-8877
- Disaster Fraud Hotline: 1-866-720-5721
