January 13, 2005
McGUINTY GOVERNMENT OFFERS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO THOSE AFFECTED BY TSUNAMI DISASTER
The Ontario government is joining with the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) to establish a provincial phone line that offers emotional support to Ontarians affected by the tsunami disaster.
The Tsunami Emotional Support Line is being staffed by psychologists volunteering their time to respond to phone calls from people who may be experiencing psychological or emotional effects as a result of the tsunami disaster. People receive short-term crisis support as well as information on any needed follow-up with community mental health providers in their area.
The government is providing the call centre infrastructure, which includes office space, phone lines and translation services.
People who are seeking emotional support following the tsunami disaster can phone 1-866-532-3161 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559) . The tsunami support line is in operation from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
The Tsunami Emotional Support Line will be in operation all of January, and could continue further, depending on demand for the service.
The support line is the latest way in which the McGuinty government has responded to the tsunami disaster.
In the days after the tsunami, the government came forward with a five-point plan, which included:
- Donating $5 million on behalf of the people of Ontario to the Red Cross
- Offering expertise in disaster management: Ontario's Commissioner of Emergency Management, Dr. James Young, joined a federal delegation to the stricken regions offering expertise in forensic medicine and disaster management as part of Ontario's contribution
- Working with the federal government to offer any further equipment, supplies or expertise necessary to help the global relief effort
- Renewing a call for all Ontarians to donate to relief organizations
- Asking all of Ontario's public service employees to give generously.
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Contacts:
Eva Lannon
Minister's Office - Health and Long-Term Care
(416) 327-4320
Dan Strasbourg
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
(416) 314-6197
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