By Alabama Public Radio
Washington, DC – Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt says 600-thousand dollars in emergency mental health grants are available for Alabama and three other states. The money will make sure mental health assessment and crisis counseling is available for hurricane victims. Alabama is getting 100-thousand dollars. The state plans to use the money to support clinical assessments and immediate direct services. Those include psychiatric services, nursing, medications, and crisis case management. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also has a toll-free phone number for anyone interested in speaking with a crisis counselor. The number is 800-273-TALK.