Counseling Helping Tornado Victims Cope with Loss

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Red Cross Disaster Relief truck has been roaming through damaged neighborhoods since the storms rolled through on Monday, providing much needed relief for those affected by the devastating storms.

On board the Red Cross Disaster Relief truck are volunteers who help provide basic necessities like a hot meal, water, and first aid. Also on board are people like Jeanette Cordell. Cordell is a licensed clinical social worker and serves as director of Hope Community Services. She is helping the Red Cross with the mental health aspect of a storm's effect.

Cordell has been meeting with storm victims and said she is focusing her efforts on listening to the victims talk.

"Most of the people are still in shock right now. Sometimes it takes a while for the emotional trauma to set in," Cordell said.

Pamphlets on how to cope with trauma and take care of emotional health after a disaster are being handed out at disaster sites like the neighborhood of Deerfield West.

"It's a good thing. Sometimes you need to talk to someone outside of family because you don't want your family to worry," said storm survivor Judy Crespo.

Financial donations are needed to support relief efforts.

The Salvation Army asks those who want to help anyone affected by the tornadoes to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMYand designate Oklahoma tornadoes. Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by the storm. Undesignated donations are assigned by the zip code of the donor to the nearest Salvation Army location.

Financial donations to the Red Cross can be made by:

1. Text Red Cross to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the disaster relief fund

2. Log onto okc.redcross.org

3. Call 405-278-9500