65-2 #74 December 07, 2006

The 9/11 Mental Health & Substance Abuse Program

Are you or members of your family still feeling the effects of 9/11? The 9/11 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program can help you and your family get free or low-cost mental health treatment. The program is available regardless of where you live, what kind of insurance you have, or your immigration status. Any licensed mental health provider can provide your treatment. Financial assistance for treatment is retroactive to September 11, 2001 and available until December 31, 2007. The deadline for enrollment is January 2, 2007.

That means if you are eligible and you received treatment during this time period, your out-of-pocket costs may still be covered.

Some treatment options are:

Counseling: Support, advice and education about problems you are experiencing to help change thinking or behavior.

Medication: Can be used to treat some types of emotional problems, like depression or anxiety.

Substance Abuse Programs: Rehabilitation and detox services for alcohol and drug abuse.

In-Patient Care: Hospitalization and/or substance abuse treatment. Auricular Acupuncture: A therapy that applies acupuncture to the outer ear. It can be used for alcohol or drug abuse, or for anxiety.

Testing and Evaluation: Assessment of child or adolescent social, emotional and intellectual functioning. This service is covered up to 8 hours for children up to age 21.

Even if you do not need any of the above options, you should still register for this program. The program continues through 2007, so registering by January 2 will cover you in the event you should need any of these services during 2007.

To register, call 1-800-LIFENET or visit www.9-11MentalHealth.org or www.redcross.org/september11/help .

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Cassidy
President

Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary