WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement announcing Nevada has been awarded a grant totaling $654,640 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Crisis Counseling Immediate Services Program. This funding will be used to place 35 crisis counselors in community programs statewide to support Nevadans coping with the effects of COVID-19.
“The coronavirus pandemic is causing a historic rise in mental health challenges and pushing our nation toward a mental health crisis,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m pleased to see this FEMA grant awarded to Nevada to bring much-needed crisis counselors to help those struggling by the effects brought on by COVID-19. I will continue working to ensure that Nevada’s hardworking families have the mental health resources they need to overcome this difficult time.”
BACKGROUND: Through this funding, Crisis Support Services of Nevada (CSSNV) staff will also receive training in crisis counseling and Psychological First Aid. CSSNV connects individuals to trained, compassionate counselors who can offer support and direct them to mental health and substance use disorder counseling services. CSSNV can be reached at 800-273-8255 or by texting CARE to 839863. This is a toll-free number and all calls are confidential.
In addition to direct services provided by crisis counselors, the funding will also assist in providing information on access to resources in communities and provide public awareness campaigns to bring awareness to healthy ways to cope and manage the stressors from COVID-19.
Last month, Rosen joined her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Vice President Mike Pence asking the Administration to take all available actions to help address the mental health aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the letter, the Senators ask the Vice President to provide an update on all of the efforts the federal government has taken so far to address mental health and suicide prevention needs as a part of the COVID-19 response.
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