Blue Cross Foundation Helps People Recover from 2002 Floods

Northwest Minnesota residents will receive help to cope with the emotional toll of the 2002 floods thanks to funding from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation. The foundation's grants will help meet flood victims' mental health needs stemming from the disaster.

Blue Cross originally made these grants to the American Red Cross ($100,000) and the Northwestern Mental Health Center ($57,750) for mental health care for victims of the 1997 Red River Valley flood and the 2001 Mississippi River flood. A total of $60,000 from the remainder of those funds is now being dedicated to helping northwestern Minnesota flood victims recover once again.

"For many people in this part of this state, this is the second or third time they've had to recoup and rebuild in just five years," said Daniel Johnson, executive director of the Blue Cross Foundation. "Counseling is an essential part of the recovery, by helping people deal with the constant stress, develop day-by-day coping strategies and go forward."

Feelings of depression, anxiety and anger often follow natural disasters, and can last long after the physical damage has been repaired, according to Blue Cross. Several months after the Red River Valley floods in 1997, for example, Federal Emergency Management Administration reports showed a 33 percent increase in chemical dependency referrals and a 25 percent increase in outpatient mental health visits in the region. Such emotional stress in disaster and trauma situations is not uncommon. Already this year the Red Cross estimates that more than 1,000 residents of northwestern Minnesota have reached out for help.

In addition to its foundation's funding assistance, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is deferring premium payments for flood victims in Roseau, Norman and Mahnomen counties. Deferral applications must be received by August 1, 2002. Interested businesses and individuals can call the customer service number on the back of their I.D. card or contact their local Blue Cross agent.

For more information on services available to flood victims or to get help, call the American Red Cross at 866/438-4636. Area residents in need of counseling can also call Northwestern Mental Health Center at 800/985-0228.

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