New `Adapters' Support Group Forming for First Responders Involved in Rescue and Recovery Efforts at Ground Zero Following the September 11 Attacks

New `Adapters' Support Group Forming for First Responders Involved in Rescue and Recovery Efforts at Ground Zero Following the September 11 Attacks

		ADAPTERS SUPPORT GROUP FOR FIRST RESPONDERS BIZON AND MARINI Susan Bizon and Paul Marini of PA September 11 Victim Assistance Program announce the formation of an Adapters Support Group for First Responders -- those involved in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. (PRNewsFoto)[LB] DOYLESTOWN, PA USA

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Because first responders are at high risk for serious stress disorders and other long-term health problems, the PA September 11 Victim Assistance Program is starting a new Adapters Support Group. The support group is intended to help chaplains, volunteers, trained rescue workers, construction workers, and others who were involved in rescue and reconstruction efforts during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030312/PHW002 ) Susan Bizon, Director of the PA September 11 Victim Assistance Program, said, "Since the attacks, we have formed Adapters Support Groups to assist families of the deceased, injured survivors, and displaced workers as a result of 9/11. Support groups have been instrumental in providing opportunities for victims of the disasters to share their feelings with others and begin to adapt to their new lifestyles." She continued, "Many who were involved in the clean-up efforts continue to experience fear and anxiety, `survivor guilt,' lack of motivation, and irritability over relatively small issues. They have been unable to adapt effectively to their social and occupational environments; consequently, we are providing additional support for those who need it. "We named the network of support groups `Adapters' because many survivors of Sept. 11 are adapting to the stresses and changes that have become a part of their lives," explains Bizon. The group will be facilitated by Linda Welsh, Ed.D., a nationally recognized, Pennsylvania-licensed psychologist with 20 years experience assisting individuals and families to better understand and cope effectively with medical crises and anxiety disorders. According to Linda, "Each person reacts differently depending on personality, prior experiences, and family circumstances. We will provide completely confidential services in a very secure location...a safe haven to share feelings and experiences with other people who really understand what it was like to be there." Any first responders who are interested in joining or learning more about the new support group should call 1-866-328-2800 any day, 24 hours per day. Additional information will be available after April 1 on the Web site, http://www.PaSept11.org. Following the terrorist attacks, NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance) was selected by the State of Pennsylvania to provide support via the PA September 11 Victim Assistance Program to all residents of the State who were directly affected or who had immediate family members who were directly affected by the terrorist destruction. Since 1974, NOVA has been helping survivors of crime and their families in Bucks County, PA. In addition to 24-hour counseling, mediation, and advocacy services, NOVA forms and trains crisis response teams to respond to incidents of mass violence.