Casey DeSantis Announces Mental Resiliency Tools for Hurricane Ian Victims

By Eric Daugherty

Published Oct. 18, 2022, 2:20 p.m. ET | Updated Oct. 18, 2022

Casey DeSantis celebrates the Florida Disaster Fund reaching over $45 million raised, Oct. 17, 2022.

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis announced two more mental health resources available for victims of Hurricane Ian, which rammed through the Sunshine State late last month.

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) launched the Family Support Line, which will connect individuals and families impacted by the storm with those who were also impacted, and recovered, from Hurricane Michael.

The governor’s office said volunteers who have lived through Michael will use their own experiences to help Ian victims.

Individuals who would like to talk with a Family Support Peer can call 888-850-SWFL.

The Florida Department of Heath and DCF partnered with BetterHelp to offer mental health services via three months of free online therapy.

To access those services, visit BetterHelp.com/Voucher and use code: HurricaneIan.

Find more resources on Florida’s Disaster Mental Health Resources page.

“Floridians in Southwest Florida have weathered the storm but will continue to encounter unseen challenges on the road to recovery,” DeSantis said. “We are building a network of support for these individuals to connect them with mental health experts and Floridians who have been in their shoes to foster meaningful conversations. Through the Family Support Line, the partnership with BetterHelp and resources provided by the State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator, we are creating opportunities for people to receive support.”

“I am truly grateful for Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ swift leadership in the response and recovery efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Ian,” said DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris. “Use of peer supports is a long standing strategy for helping individuals cope with trauma, and we will continue to have mental health professionals trained in crisis response on the ground in Southwest Florida for as long as needed to support the community.”

“Mental health support should always be a major priority following a disaster, and you are not alone if you are feeling the weight of this tragedy,” said Dr. Kenneth Scheppke, DOH Deputy Secretary for Health. “There can be a drastic increase in post-traumatic stress disorder and other negative mental health impacts to public following a disaster. Florida wants to make sure survivors of Ian have readily available access to mental health resources at no cost.”

“We’re honored to work with the Governor’s office to provide free therapy to individuals impacted by Hurricane Ian,” said Alon Matas, President and Founder of BetterHelp. “We’re hopeful that therapy can help many individuals as Florida continues to rebuild and recover.”

“We believe in the strength of people over storms. Northwest Florida stands ready to give back by answering the call for Southwest Florida families”, said Mike Watkins, CEO, NWF Health Network.

“These resources will help individuals and families as they start their journey to not only recover from the physical damage, but also the emotional damage caused by Hurricane Ian,” said State Mental Health Coordinator Sara Newhouse. “I want to thank our First Lady for her steadfast leadership in prioritizing access to mental health services for disaster survivors and our first responders.”