Give an Hour Calls for Providers and Offers Free Mental Health Services in Response to the Shootings in Florida

Washington, D.C., Feb. 15, 2018 -- Give an Hour™ a national nonprofit 501 (c)(3), founded in September 2005, announces that it is opening its network of mental health providers to provide free, immediate and long term mental health and emotional support for those affected by the horrific shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL.

Give an Hour has provided free and confidential mental health care to those who serve, our veterans, and their families – providing over 244,000 hours of free care valued at over $24M.  Since its founding, the organization has expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations, and has historically opened its network to assist those affected by national tragedies and traumas. Give an Hour encourages all mental health professionals interested in joining our network of providers to visit www.giveanhour.org to give your gift of care and support to those in need. 

“Our network of 7,000 mental health professionals volunteer their time to support populations in need – because they have unique skills and abilities to help those who are suffering. In response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida – our volunteer providers are stepping up to respond to the immediate and critical needs of those affected by this tragedy – including family members and first responders” said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President of Give an Hour.  “Preventing these tragedies requires efforts on multiple fronts – but we can and must do more to identify those who are struggling with unaddressed mental health issues – to prevent unnecessary tragedies from occurring.  We must change the culture about mental health – so that those in need are able to seek and receive the care they need. We must educate everyone because everyone can be part of the solution.”

Give an Hour provides those in need with help and hope. We offer those who care the opportunity to give –  and we offer expertise as well as care and support when tragedy strikes in our communities.

If you have been affected by the shootings in Florida and need emotional support, please visit:  www.giveanhour.org.

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About Give an Hour™

Give an Hour, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) providing free mental health services to military members, veterans, and their families, was founded in September 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area. Give an Hour has been instrumental in the development of the community-based approach to addressing the challenges that face our nation's military community, having created a successful model for harnessing skill-based volunteers eager to offer their services. Thus far, the network of nearly 7,000 licensed mental health professionals has provided over 244,000 hours of free care and support to those in need. To learn more, visit www.giveanhour.org. 

About the Campaign to Change Direction®

The Campaign to Change Direction, a national initiative to change the culture of mental health in America, encourages Americans to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being. The campaign is led by Give an Hour, a national nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to the military and veteran community. Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about Five Signs that may indicate someone is suffering emotionally and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness. Over 500 partner organizations are using their unique skills and opportunities to spread awareness. Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a pledge can visit www.changedirection.org.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/006e645a-f82a-48ec-95d0-532f6e42e2de

Rory Brosius
ScoutComms, Inc.
202-997-5889
[email protected]