As Immediate Dangers Of Wildfires Start To Pass, Attention Turns To Lingering Effects
Among first responders, the fires have taken a heavy emotional and mental toll.
KQED:
Counselors, Canines Helping Firefighters Battle Emotional Stress
Containment efforts are winding down for the wildfires that have ravaged Northern California this month, but not all the dangers have passed. A handout is circulating among firefighters that details the warning signs of extreme physical and emotional stress. (Cuevas, 10/23)
In other news from across the state —
Oakland Tribune:
Help Contra Costa Crisis Center Share Holiday Spirit
For almost half a century, the Walnut Creek-based Contra Costa Crisis Center has endeavored to improve the realities of people in urgent need — with crisis hotlines, grief counseling, homeless resources, health and dental care, tax assistance. That’s just skimming the surface of the Crisis Center’s reach. It’s staggering. The nonprofit can (and does) refer clients to an array of 1,600 services.The Crisis Center fields more than 5,000 calls a month, but it is especially relevant this time of year. One example: It partners with the Bay Area News Group in the annual Share the Spirit holiday campaign to benefit needy residents in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. Last year, the program raised $180,000 that was distributed to 40 nonprofits. (Peterson, 10/22)