U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) today announced that the State of Louisiana will be receiving a grant of $6.8 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide crisis counseling in response to multiple flooding disasters that have devastated much of the state this calendar year.

“This year alone, Louisianians have survived devastating natural disasters affecting each corner of the state, and it's important to remember that the recovery process involves more than the physical aspect of rebuilding,” said Vitter. “I’m very glad to see this grant of nearly seven million dollars to provide for crisis counseling, as well as FEMA’s newly announced free counselling services for children and youth impacted by recent devastating storms. Counseling will be important in helping many Louisianians pick up the pieces and begin again.”

This grant is awarded under FEMA’s Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program, whose aim is to provide funding to states, federally recognized tribes, and U.S. territories after a Presidential disaster declaration. The funds will provide for supportive crisis counseling, education, and development of coping skills, among other things. Awards under this program generally benefit community-based shelters, centers, and churches, and in some cases in-person services at disaster survivors’ homes. Funds will be awarded to the State of Louisiana, who is charged with distributing them to eligible sub-recipients.

Yesterday, FEMA also announced free crisis counseling services for Louisiana children and youth affected by the flooding events are now be available. Funded by FEMA and administered by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), those seeking more information on services offered should call the DHH-Office of Behavioral Health Louisiana Spirit Crisis Line at 866-310-7977.