Crisis Response Program
Continuing our commitment to North Shore services, Volunteers of America has started a new Crisis Response Program in St. Tammany Parish.
The Crisis Response Program is designed to help persons experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties. The goal to prevent suicides and help persons needing support before their problems escalate and become life-threatening. In 2010, 39 St. Tammany residents took their own lives. Seven suicides have occurred thus far in 2011.
The program has two components: response to a mental health crisis at the request of first responders and follow-up after the immediate crisis has passed.
Volunteers of America counselors deploy to a crisis scene and make a recommendation to first responders about a course of treatment. Counselors act as liaisons among first responders, medical personnel and families. In addition, after care will ensure that families follow through with referrals and services recommended. A comprehensive plan of treatment for the individual in crisis and his/her family will be developed, if needed.
This person-centered, client-driven family stabilization plan is designed to help families establish and achieve goals. Crisis response counselors also will provide community training and education.
More Information (985) 674-0488