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# FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: HHS Press Office {#for-immediate-release-contact-hhs-press-office .nomral}

# Wednesday, Dec.7, 2005 (202) 690-6343 {#wednesday-dec.7-2005-202-690-6343 .nomral}

> Ad Council Press Office
>
> \(212\) 984-1964

## HHS SECRETARY LEAVITT UNVEILS NATIONAL PSA CAMPAIGN 

## TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO HURRICANE SURVIVORS

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today launched a national public service
advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage people who may be
experiencing psychological distress following the recent hurricanes to
consider seeking mental health services. The PSAs, the result of a
partnership between HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA) and the Ad Council, will be distributed to
12,000 media outlets nationwide.

According to SAMHSA, past research on the mental health consequences of
major floods and hurricanes suggests that the psychological impacts of
the recent hurricanes could be extensive. SAMHSA estimates that \-- in
those areas that have been significantly impacted by the hurricanes \--
25 percent to 30 percent of the population may experience clinically
significant mental health needs and an additional 10 percent to 20
percent may show sub-clinical, but not trivial, needs. Up to 500,000
people may be in need of assistance.

"Since the beginning of this unprecedented disaster we have been
concerned about the mental well-being of those impacted," Secretary
Leavitt said. "We've continued to work with the states to provide access
to mental health and substance abuse services to help Americans through
this tough time. I hope these public service announcements, our
toll-free number and website will provide information and support to
those who need help."

People who were displaced by the storms have lost their homes, schools,
communities, places of worship, daily routines, social support, personal
possessions and much more. In some cases, these losses were coupled with
losing loved ones and witnessing death, destruction and criminal
violence. According to SAMHSA, the psychological impact of these
experiences can be both serious and long-lasting. Symptoms of Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder \-- including depression, grief and anger \--
are to be expected among some who survived the hurricanes. They may also
develop physical health and behavior problems, such as substance abuse
disorders among adults and conduct problems among children. Some of
these problems may not surface for months or years.

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"Most hurricane survivors demonstrate remarkable resiliency and will
rebuild theirs lives without significant mental or substance abuse
issues," SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie said. "We also know that
there are a smaller but still significant number of people who will have
difficulty achieving recovery without professional assistance. Help is a
phone call away."

The new PSA campaign is designed to help adults, children and first
responders who have been impacted by the hurricanes and are in need of
mental health services. The campaign includes television and radio
spots, which are available in English and Spanish, and addresses the
fears, thoughts, concerns and questions faced by the victims. The PSAs
aim to reach adult victims and first responders directly, as well as
parents and caregivers who can assess their children's emotional
well-being. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to take time to check
in on how they and their families are doing, and call a confidential
toll-free number (1-800-789-2647 for adults/parents and 1-800-273-TALK
for first responders) to speak to a trained professional who can assist
with information and referrals to local services, or visit
[*www.samhsa.gov*](http://www.samhsa.gov/).

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# "The hurricanes have had a devastating impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans. As they struggle to rebuild their lives and focus on their immediate physical needs, it is important for them to also consider their short and long-term emotional needs," said President & CEO of The Advertising Council Peggy Conlon. "This poignant campaign, created pro bono by Grey Advertising, will encourage victims to get help and hope if they need it, especially during the holiday season when all that they have lost may be more difficult to cope with." {#the-hurricanes-have-had-a-devastating-impact-on-the-lives-of-hundreds-of-thousands-of-americans.-as-they-struggle-to-rebuild-their-lives-and-focus-on-their-immediate-physical-needs-it-is-important-for-them-to-also-consider-their-short-and-long-term-emotional-needs-said-president-ceo-of-the-advertising-council-peggy-conlon.-this-poignant-campaign-created-pro-bono-by-grey-advertising-will-encourage-victims-to-get-help-and-hope-if-they-need-it-especially-during-the-holiday-season-when-all-that-they-have-lost-may-be-more-difficult-to-cope-with. .nomral}

To view the ads, please visit
*[www.samhsa.gov](http://www.samhsa.gov/).* The PSAs are being
distributed to television and radio stations nationwide via the
FastChannel Network and will air in advertising time that will be
donated by the media.

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