Surgeon General Regina Benjamin to address oil spill’s mental health impact in Alabama (live video)
Just weeks after an Alabama boat captain became despondent over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and committed suicide, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin announced that she will travel to Alabama and speak about the mental health impacts associated with the spill.
Surgeon General Benjamin will be in Bayou La Batre, Alabama tomorrow, July 14, 2010 and will speak at a community meeting in the gymnasium at St. Margaret's Catholic Church. The church is located at 13790 South Wintzell Avenue Bayou La Batre, Ala. 36509-2407. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some in the Gulf Coast are facing depression as they have seen their livelihoods slip away, their beautiful coastal lands have become stained with oil and many are facing financial difficulties like they have never known. It’s important for communities to join together and look out for one another. If you see someone exhibiting symptoms of depression don’t ignore it but seek help.
If you suspect someone may be suicidal call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You may also contact your local mental health crisis provider.
Here are important numbers for anyone dealing with depression or considering suicide after dealing with the oil spill and its impact. The following information is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Alabama: 251-450-2211 or 800-558-8295
• Florida
o Okaloosa County: 850-244-9191
o Pensacola (Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties): 850-595-5905
o Big Bend Area ( Franklin and Wakulla Counties): 211
o Walton County: 850-892-HELP or 850-892-4357
• Louisiana: 1-866-310-7977
• Mississippi:
o 1-877-210-8513
o 601-359-6295
o TDD: 601-359-6230
• Texas: 211
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
• 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
• TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)
• En español: 1-888-628-9454
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