Ads detail mental health services available to hurricane survivors

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council this week launched a series of national public service print and billboard advertisements to encourage people experiencing mental distress from last year’s hurricanes to seek help. Distributed to media outlets nationwide to coincide with the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the ads are part of a $110 million federal effort to speed mental health recovery to survivors of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma who are struggling with long-term psychological effects.

The ads urge audiences to assess how they and their families are doing and to call a confidential, toll-free number, (800) 789-2647, to speak with a trained professional who can provide information and referral to local mental health services. They can be viewed at www.samhsa.gov or www.adcouncil.org.

[ via AHA News Now ]