Grief and Stress Still Very Much Present, Weeks After Disaster

To respond to the emotional fallout sparked by this winter’s onslaught of fire, mud, and boulders, Hospice of Santa Barbara had to double its number of intake workers — from one to two — and bring on four more bereavement counselors. Among mental-health responders, that was just the tip of a very large iceberg.

Hundreds of mental-health responders — some licensed clinicians and others trained in the mental-health equivalent of first aid — took to the schools, where they created “compassion centers”; to the streets, where neighborhood repopulation was taking place; and to memorial services. Leading the effort was the county’s Behavioral Wellness department, but joining it was a far-flung sprawling coalition of clergy, psychologists, schools, hospice, and the Red Cross.

Suzanne Grimmesey, spokesperson for Behavioral Wellness, said the sooner psychological first aid starts, the faster the recovery and the better the healing. 

Hospice is offering grief counseling free of charge and is hosting community workshops. Grimmsey said the county’s call center — recently shut down — will be reactivated in response to community interest.

To read more of Nick Welsh's article, please click here.