Give an Hour Extends Free Mental Health Support to Tree of Life Synagogue Community

National nonprofit opens its network of mental healthcare professionals in time of need and mourning


Washington, D.C., Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Give an Hour, a national nonprofit founded in 2005 and the lead organization of the Campaign to Change Direction, is opening its network of mental health providers to provide free and immediate mental health services to the individuals and community directly affected by the horrific shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday, October 27, 2018.  

Give an Hour has built a network of approximately 7,000 mental health professionals who offer free and confidential mental health care to those in need, from service members and veterans to people touched by disasters and man-made traumas. Since its founding, Give an Hour providers have donated more than 265,000 hours of free care valued at more than $26.5 million. The organization has consistently identified the emerging mental health needs of Americans and expanded its efforts to address them through its programs and services. 

“We join our nation in mourning the senseless loss of life that occurred on Saturday, October 27th, at the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill community of Pittsburgh” said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President of Give an Hour. “Just as Americans line up to give blood after major disasters, Give an Hour providers are standing by to offer mental health care to those affected by this trauma. We offer our prayers and our commitment of support.”  

Give an Hour has the capacity to help those who are experiencing trauma, loss, grief, and anxiety through its national network of volunteer mental health providers who are eager to do their part. By harnessing the skills and generosity of professionals across our nation and around the world, they provide those in need with help and hope – offering those who care the opportunity to give. 

If you have been affected by the shootings in Pittsburgh and need emotional support, please visit: giveanhour.org.

If you are a licensed mental health professional interested in joining Give an Hour to provide support and care to those in need, please visit: https://giveanhour.org/give-help/licensed-provider-information/.

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About Give an Hour: 

Founded by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area, Give an Hour’s mission is to develop networks of skill-based volunteer professionals capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions prevalent within society. Since 2005, the nonprofit organization has provided free mental health services to U.S. service members, veterans, and their families. In 2015, Give an Hour expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations including at-risk teens, survivors of gun violence, victims of human trafficking and those affected by natural and man-made disasters. In addition, Give an Hour is now working internationally to provide information and services to address the needs of those who are in emotional pain around the world. Through the generosity, compassion, and expertise of Give an Hour’s skilled volunteers, we are able to increase the likelihood that those in need receive the support and care they deserve. Thus far, the U.S. network of nearly 7,000 licensed mental health professionals has provided more than 265,000 hours of care and support to those in need. Learn more at giveanhour.org and www.changedirection.org

About the Campaign to Change Direction: 

The Campaign to Change Direction, a public health initiative focused on changing the culture of mental health, encourages everyone to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being. The campaign is led by Give an Hour, a US-based nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to those in need including our military and veteran community. Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about Five Signs of Emotional Suffering that may indicate someone is in emotional pain and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, a decline in personal care, and hopelessness. Over 600 partner organizations are using their unique skills and opportunities to spread awareness. Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a pledge can visit www.changedirection.org. 

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Give an Hour is offering free mental health care to those affected by the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, PA. Give an Hour invites all mental health professionals to join us as we offer free mental health services to those affected by the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pennsylvania.

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