Local Red Cross chapter provides mental health aid to Harvey victims

The Red Cross is helping victims of Hurricane Harvey in more ways than one.

On Thursday, ABC 17 News spoke with Dave Griffith, the executive director of the local Red Cross chapter.

Griffith said things are improving in Texas. He went to the Lone Star State on Aug. 29 with other volunteers to assist survivors.

The organization had more than 30,000 people staying in shelters Wednesday night, but on Thursday, that number dropped to 16,300.

Griffith said this shows people are ready to get home and start rebuilding their lives.

However, tens of thousands of people are still requesting help for mental health.

“Many of these folks have lost everything,” Griffith said. “They have to try and deal with that and try to wrap their heads around it. Those mental health volunteers and professionals can help them begin their recovery.”.

The Red Cross has served more than 1 million meals in Texas since Harvey hit Aug. 25.