Give an Hour™ Offers Free Mental Health Services in Response to the Massive Destruction of Hurricane Harvey in Texas – and Hurricane Irma if Needed

Washington, D.C., Sept. 06, 2017 -- Give an Hour™ a national nonprofit  501 (c)(3), founded in September 2005, announces that it is opening its network to provide immediate and long term mental health support for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Give an Hour will extend these services to those affected by Hurricane Irma should the need arise. 

As the flood waters begin to recede in Hurricane Harvey’s wake, Give an Hour is partnering with the American Red Cross to bring mental health and emotional support services to those affected. While some people will be in immediate need of intensive mental health treatment, many more people will be in need of someone who can provide emotional support and assistance. As our nation closely watches the approach of Hurricane Irma, Give an Hour stands ready to help those affected by this massive storm as well. 

 “Give an Hour is proud to partner with the American Red Cross to provide this essential mental health support and we are grateful to our network of 7000 generous mental health professionals – many of whom are already stepping up during this time of need”, said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President of Give an Hour. “Some Give an Hour providers may join efforts on the ground  – others in our vast network will offer phone support to the thousands who need their compassion, expertise and assistance. We all have gifts to give to those who are hurting.” Since 2005, Give an Hour has provided free and confidential mental health care to those who serve, our veterans, and their families – providing over 224,000 hours of free care valued at nearly $23M.  Give an Hour has since expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations. 

Give an Hour has historically opened its network to assist those affected by national traumas and tragedies such as the shootings at Sandy Hook elementary school, the Boston Marathon bombings, the violence in Charlottesville, Hurricane Sandy and now Hurricane Harvey.  By harnessing the skill and compassion of mental health professionals across the country, Give an Hour is able to provide critical mental health assistance to those who are suffering emotionally. 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. 

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. 

Survivors of Hurricane Harvey can visit: https://giveanhour.org/hurricane-relief-effort/

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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 more than 224,000 hours of 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.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4aa0b83-4f50-4200-9ff3-500d8bb084df

Sally Charney
Give an Hour
703-582-6672
[email protected]