Missouri Resilience Coalition provides support to Ferguson area residents

Saturday, Governor Jay Nixon’s Office announced mental health support and services will be provided to residents of Ferguson and the surrounding areas.

The Missouri Resilience Coalition is a group of mental health care advocates in the St. Louis area.

Gov. Nixon says mental health professionals from the coalition are in place and more on are standby to support anyone who has experienced trauma or needs emotional help.

The coalition was first created in mid-August after the death of Michael Brown by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Social Services.

It is continuing to work with children, families and residents in the area today.

The governor’s office says the coalition is also working with various churches in the area, where mental health professionals will be stationed as well.

Gov. Nixon says, “As we continue to address the many challenges raised by events in Ferguson, it’s important to note the past several months have taken an emotional toll as well. That is why we took action working with local providers and advocates, to help meet the mental and emotional needs of people in the region.”

Gov. Nixon also spoke during a training session to more than 200 St. Louis area teachers in late-August. The training gave staff materials and information on how to identify signs of trauma in children and how to work best with students as they process the recent events.

The Governor’s Office says the Access Crisis Intervention hotline is also available 24 hours a day to help anyone in crisis. That number is (800) 811-4760. You can also call the Resilience Coalition at (314) 877-5831.