HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-11 DOH_Lava Flow Mental Health Services -- press release
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
DAVID Y. IGE
GOVERNOR
VIRGINIA PRESSLER, M.D.
DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2018 18-042
Crisis Line of Hawai‘i available to those feeling stress and anxiety
from ongoing volcanic eruption on Hawai‘i Island
HILO, HI – A week into the lava flow from Kilauea volcano on Hawai‘i Island, the Hawai‘i State
Department of Health (DOH) is reminding residents and visitors that anyone who has been
affected by the recent eruptions and is seeking help in coping with mental or emotional effects,
may call the Crisis Line of Hawai‘i toll-free at 1-800-753-6879.
DOH's Crisis Line of Hawai‘i is available 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week and is staffed with
a team of live, local representatives who are trained and experienced professionals able to help
individuals in times of a mental health crisis. People who have feelings of stress and anxiety can
call the Crisis Line to receive short-term confidential counseling as well as information on
available resources.
“Taking steps early to ensure the mental health of you and your family during and after a tragic
event can make a difference in the long-run, especially when young children are involved,” said
Mark Fridovich, Ph.D., M.P.A., administrator of DOH’s Adult Mental Health Division. “Disasters
like the Kilauea lava flow are unexpected and often bring out strong emotions, which is
understandable when people are forced out of their homes and into a state of fear and worry.
This is why we offer resources like the Crisis Line and hope people take advantage of it during
their times of need.”
Additionally, The Parent Line is a free, locally-based, statewide telephone line that provides
support, encouragement, informal counseling, information, and referral to callers experiencing
concerns about their child’s behavior or who have issues regarding family stresses or questions
about community resources. The Parent Line is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to
6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact The Parent Line toll-free at 1-800-816-1222
or visit http://www.theparentline.org/ to learn more.
Ongoing evacuations due to the lava flow and the insecurity of not knowing what will happen are
a source of stress and anxiety for many people, particularly those in or near areas that have
been forced to leave their homes. People responding to the emergency and those with family
and friends affected by the lava flow are also likely feeling the effects of stress and anxiety.
DOH offers the following guidance to aid in coping during this difficult time:
Talk to your family members and friends to maintain a strong support system.
Children are particularly vulnerable, as they have trouble processing what is happening.
Help your children by sharing age-appropriate information and being honest.
Set a good example for children by taking care of yourself.
Take breaks and unwind periodically and ask for help if you need it.
Stay informed of the situation by tuning in to local news sources but avoid excessive
exposure to media coverage of the event.
For more resources, visit DOH’s Adult Mental Health Division’s website at
http://health.hawaii.gov/amhd/consumer/access/. Additional information and resources can be
found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at
https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/index.asp.
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