El Futuro offers a list of ways to attend to your mental health after a hurricane

In North Carolina, El Futuro is working with the N.C. Office of Rural Health to offer telehealth support after Hurricane Helene, helping ensure that mental health services remain accessible, according to their website.

El Futuro is a community-based nonprofit organization that “for 20 years of providing comprehensive mental health services for Latino families in a bilingual environment of healing and hope.”

If you are seeking telehealth services, please call (919) 688-7101 and ask for Mariana. She will coordinate a short screening and then registration and an intake evaluation. 

Liz Turrubiartes is an advancement specialist for El Futuro. In a recent newsletter, she writes:

Western North Carolina, to many, means the Blue Ridge Mountains, creeks and streams, The Biltmore, and countless other beautiful aspects. But to many Latino families, including mine, it is home. Recently, my home looks very different, and it has taken a toll on the whole community.

At the end of September, Hurricane Helene ravaged the western part of North Carolina, destroying entire towns, communities, and livelihoods, including my hometown of Hot Springs, NC. 

What many people may be surprised to hear is that western North Carolina is home to a diverse group of people. Among these groups is a hub of beautiful Latino communities from all parts of Latin America.

As the people of western North Carolina come together to rebuild their lives, one of my biggest fears is that these groups — especially those who are under-represented such as my Latino community — could be forgotten. A lack of mental health and bilingual services already existed before Helene, and the need for support will continue for a long time to come.

In addition to providing mental health services, the leadership team of El Futuro is continuously assessing the situation and coordinating efforts with partners in western North Carolina, according to the website.

“We know that the road to recovery will be long and challenging, but we are in this together,” says the website.

El Futuro says the emotional impact of a hurricane can be overwhelming, but the organization notes the following ways to manage stress and take care of your mental health during this difficult time, including:

Take Breaks from the News: While staying informed is important, continuously consuming news about the disaster can increase stress. Make time to disconnect and focus on other activities.

Reach Out for Support: Talk to friends, family, or community members. Sharing your feelings and experiences can help reduce the emotional burden.

Practice Deep Breathing: When stress feels overwhelming, take a few minutes to practice deep breathing exercises to calm your body and mind. Even just a few minutes of mindful breathing can help reduce anxiety.

Stick to Your Routine: Try to maintain regular routines, especially for children. A structure can help create a sense of stability during uncertain times.

Access Mental Health Resources: If the stress becomes too much to handle, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for support. Many services, like telehealth counseling, are available even during disasters.

El Futuro

Here is more information from El Futuro about how you can help communities in western North Carolina.