If you’re among those suffering physically, financially and mentally from the trauma of the historic wildfire season, there is help available.
The New Mexico Human Services Department began a program called “Help Is Here NM” last May to provide multiple services for those impacted by the fires and subsequent flooding. The most prolific fire season in the history of the state followed by a devastating monsoon season has kept residents battling for survival for much of this year.
“People are really struggling and especially now with the subsequent flooding after the fires,” Dr. Lisa Salazar, critical services manager for behavioral health, told KOB 4 this week. “Flooding has become such a problem there, so they don’t want to leave their homes, they don’t want to leave the ranches because that’s what their livelihood was. So the peer support workers are going out and offering disaster coping skills, stress management skills work, emotional support, and they make referrals for housing support, food, for health and for mental health if they need therapy in that respect.”
“Help is Here NM” has helped more than 2,500 people try to cope, KOB 4 said. The program continues for another nine months through June 2023. All services, including crisis counseling, are entirely free and available in Spanish seven days a week either in-person, over the phone or through video call.
If you live in or have been displaced from your home in Mora, Colfax, Lincoln, San Miguel or Valencia Counties contact Help Is Here NM.