Give an Hour™ Offers Free Mental Health Services in Response to Shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas

Washington, D.C., Nov. 07, 2017 -- Give an Hour, a national non-profit 501(c)(3), founded in September 2005, announced today that it will open its network of behavioral health providers to provide immediate and long term mental health support for those affected by the shooting  Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Give an Hour has historically opened its network to assist those affected by 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 most recently extended its services to those affected by the shooting in Las Vegas earlier this year.

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.

“Our hope is to provide as much relief as we can in the wake of this horrific tragedy.” said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President of Give an Hour. “We are very grateful to our network of 7,000 mental health professionals and providers who are able to extend their much needed mental health services to the people of Sutherland Springs.”

“Professionals in our network will be available to provide both in-person and phone support services to those who need compassion, expertise and assistance during this difficult time.”

Since 2005, Give an Hour has provided free and confidential mental health care to those who serve, our veterans, and their families – providing over 224,000 hours of free care valued at nearly $23M.  Give an Hour has since expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations. 

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, or a loved one, has been directly affected by this tragedy; please visit www.giveanhour.org to be connected with one of our providers located throughout all 50 U.S. states and territories.

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About Give an Hour™

Give an Hour, a non-profit 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 more than 224,000 hours of 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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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf1878cf-a0f6-4149-a330-aca73546af2d

Rory Brosius
ScoutComms
202-997-5889
[email protected]