FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2005

Contact:
Celisia Street 800-724-6279 Ext 22 Celisia_Street@naswnys.org

Social Workers Urged to Volunteer Mental Health Services To Survivors of Hurricane Katrina

Albany, NY- The New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-NYS) is urging licensed social workers who have received Red Cross disaster mental health training to volunteer their services to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Although the full impact of this event remains to be seen, there have obviously been catastrophic losses of life, homes, communities, infrastructure, and a loss of the familiar.  The mental health needs are enormous and social workers are uniquely trained to address not only emotional needs, but also in helping families acquire services/ resources to meet their various needs such as food, housing, income, and medical treatment.

Here in New York, following the September 11^th attacks, the need to have more mental health professionals trained to provide disaster mental health services was pressing, and many social workers took action and received disaster mental health training through the Red Cross.  We ask now that those social workers volunteer their time, energy, and expertise to help respond to this national emergency. 

Individuals Willing To Volunteer Should Contact Their Local Red Cross Chapter Or Visit The NASW Website WWW.SOCIALWORKERS.ORG for Volunteer Forms.

The National Association of Social Workers- New York State Chapter (NASW-NYS) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the state with over 12,000 members.  It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW-NYS also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy across New York State.