Describe the Issue or Situation.

A Tornado destroyed several homes and businesses in the county.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Working with a certified, licensed mental health person to offer guidance to those persons with an individual, personal need,

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

15 men and women participated.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

                “Surviving a Tornado”   

     After living through a tornado, lots of material items, housing, foods, clothing, money, etc., were offered to people in Pulaski County. These items were all needed for survival but expressing their mental feelings was also needed. When you have survived such an experience, heard and seen your life savings and your neighbors’ homes and farms destroyed in seconds, this fear does not go away with the storm.

     Having the opportunity to express their feelings with others who have gone through the same tragedy was overlooked. Pulaski County Extension offered a Stress Management Class with a certified counselor to offer tips on dealing with stress in their lives.

         One client reported she had trouble sleeping because she could still hear her neighbors calling for help. Another client reported that when she saw dark clouds in the sky, she was afraid of another tornado and could not sleep. One could not express herself without crying, because she was still living in a one hotel room with no hope of being in her home soon.

     The licensed mental health counselor shared different tips to help people living through a tragic situation. Each person was given the opportunity to share their feelings and tell what they needed at this moment to try to get back to normalcy. All were offered individual counseling sessions.