Press release from the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County
Most survivors of trauma return to normal in a relatively short period of time. However, some people will have stress reactions that do not go away on their own. Those that go untreated tend to only become worse. Time. coupled with counseling and support services, are the best way to get the survivors back to normal.
Because of a generous grant from the Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund, the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA) will be able to continue to meet the mental health needs of Sandy impacted families and individuals through June 2015.
Free counseling, information and referral services for those who may still be struggling with trauma related stress reactions due to Hurricane Sandy will now be provided in Red Bank, at the Red Bank Resource Network (RBRN), 101 – 103 Shrewsbury Avenue.
Residents of Shrewsbury Borough can also take advantage of counseling services provided at the MHA main offices, 119 Avenue at the Common, Suite 5.
“Anxiety, anger, depression, confusion, insomnia are some of the symptoms that many people experience after living through a disaster like Hurricane Sandy,” said Nancy Tighe, Sandy Wellness Counselor. “We are so grateful to the Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund for recognizing that free mental health services are vital to the recovery of these survivors and providing such a generous grant that will allow us to continue to help those in need.”
RBRN is a community organization seeking to strengthen families and communities by offering bilingual assistance with applications, such as the Affordable Care Act, NJ Family Care/Medicaid, food stamps, housing, utility, and even employment. Recently, RBRN was designated a Certified Application Counselor Agency under the Affordable Care Act to assist individuals and families apply for affordable health insurance. In addition, the use of the computers, fax, and internet is provided at no cost in the business center.
RBRN continues to expand services for the youth of Red Bank. Homework club is offered, allowing students to have a quiet work space, assistance with their homework, and use of computers. Through a collaboration with the Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, Ocean First Bank, and Red Bank Regional High School, teenagers are being offered a four week banking and saving workshop.
RBRN is a program of the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County. For more information about RBRN, please call (732)383-5135 or visit www.rbrnhelps.com. To make an appointment with a Sandy Wellness Counselor in Red Bank or Shrewsbury, please call (732)542-6422.
