wfn.org | PCUSANEWS] New resource addresses storm survivors trauma

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

04414
September 20, 2004

New resource addresses storm survivors' trauma

'Human reconstruction' as important as rebuilding, health official says

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE > In the aftermath of the devastation of Florida by hurricanes 
during August and September, the National Health Ministries office here has 
developed a resource to help victims recover spiritually, emotionally and 
psychologically.

	 The new resource > "Coping with Trauma and Loss" > are posted on 
the National Health Ministries website at www.pcusa.org/health/usa .  It is 
also available in print by calling 1-888-728-7228, ext. 5787.

	 Repair of homes and buildings will likely be completed long before 
the psychological scars of affected people heal, said Pat Gleich, associate 
for National Health Ministries. "People who experience and survive a 
disaster suffer both conscious and unconscious losses," she said. "While 
the tangible losses > of property, homes, etc., are most visible > there is 
also a loss of safety and security, community, and status.

	 "In the aftermath of a disaster the primary needs of restoring a 
safe and secure shelter and basic services for people take precedence," she 
added,	"but it's critically important that restoration after a disaster 
also include time for human reconstruction.  The post-crisis situation must 
include an opportunity for individuals to begin a natural and normal 
recovery process through mourning and grief and as well as an opportunity 
for reconnection and reintegration with their various communities."

	 Congregations are caring communities and provide a safe place for 
people to be spiritually and emotionally reconstructed and reconnected, 
Gleich said.  "Loss can be an isolating experience," she said. "The 
physical separation and isolation of being cut off from people in the 
community, and, the psychological isolation from community and church, can 
be manifested in questions of faith, or the role of God in protecting God's 
people."

	 The new resources are designed to explain many of the 
psychological issues that surface for individuals during a disaster, 
provide information to help identify individuals who might need 
professional help, give coping strategies and suggest ways that 
congregations can help one another through the aftermath of a disaster.

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