Washington, D.C., Dec. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Give an Hour™ a national nonprofit 501 (c)(3), founded in September 2005, announces that it is opening its network to provide immediate and long term mental health and emotional support for those affected by the fires in Southern California.
Give an Hour has historically opened its network to assist those affected by national tragedies and traumas such as the shootings at Sandy Hook elementary school, Hurricane Sandy, the Boston Marathon bombings and to the Charlottesville community. Give an Hour recently extended its services to those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria as well as the mass shootings in Las Vegas and Texas.
By harnessing the skill and compassion of mental health professionals across the country, Give an Hour is able to provide critical mental health assistance to those who are suffering emotionally. While some people will be in immediate need of intensive mental health treatment, many more people will be in need of someone who can provide emotional support and assistance.
“We are so grateful to our network of 7000 generous mental health professionals who provide much needed mental health services to our veterans and military families – as well as to other populations in need”, said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President of Give an Hour. “In response to the horrific fires in southern California, our organization and our providers are offering care and support to those affected.”
“Some Give an Hour providers may join efforts on the ground – others in our vast network will offer phone support to the thousands who need their compassion, expertise and assistance. We all have gifts to give to those who are hurting.”
Give an Hour has provided free and confidential mental health care to those who serve, our veterans, and their families – providing over 239,000 hours of free care valued at nearly $24M. Give an Hour has since expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations. This year, Give an Hour opened Give an Hour California.
Give an Hour encourages all mental health professionals interested in joining our network of providers to visit www.giveanhour.org to give your gift of care and support to those in need.
Give an Hour provides those in need with help and hope. We offer those who care the opportunity to give – and we offer expertise as well as care and support when tragedy strikes in our communities.
If you have been affected by the fires in California and need emotional support, please visit: www.giveanhour.org.
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About Give an Hour™
Give an Hour, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) providing free mental health services to military members, veterans, and their families, was founded in September 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area. Give an Hour has been instrumental in the development of the community-based approach to addressing the challenges that face our nation's military community, having created a successful model for harnessing skill-based volunteers eager to offer their services. Thus far, the network of nearly 7,000 licensed mental health professionals has provided over 239,000 hours of free care and support to those in need. To learn more, visit www.giveanhour.org.
About the Campaign to Change Direction®
The Campaign to Change Direction, a national initiative to change the culture of mental health in America, encourages Americans to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being. The campaign is led by Give an Hour, a national nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to the military and veteran community. Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about Five Signs that may indicate someone is suffering emotionally and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness. Over 500 partner organizations are using their unique skills and opportunities to spread awareness. Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a pledge can visit www.changedirection.org.
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