Hurricane Ian intensifies mental health crisis in SWFL

Published: Updated:
Credit: WINK News.

Hurricane Ian’s destruction is intensifying the need for mental health services in Southwest Florida.

NAMI Collier County is reporting that calls to the Warm Line Center skyrocketed during the storm and continue to go up.

The agency, with help from programs across Southwest Florida, staffs the statewide Warm Line, a peer-run hotline that offers callers emotional support and is staffed by volunteers who are in recovery themselves.

The hurricane, on the heels of the pandemic, has magnified stressors and triggers for those dealing with mental illness.

“The trauma points to the vulnerability of so many that are not already engaged in our services,” said Beth Hatch, CEO of NAMI Collier. “We are doing our best to meet the immediate mental health needs in our community.”

The Warm Line can be reached at 1-800-945-1355 daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The National Suicide Hotline is 988.

The staff is also helping clients with cleanup, FEMA applications, immediate basic needs, connections to resources, support groups and peer support, according to a press release.

The Sarah Ann Center is also available from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. It has air conditioning, peer support, the food pantry, clothing closer, coffee, a shower and laundry facilities. It is located at 6324 Trail Blvd, Naples.

 

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