(Courtesy of Ohel) Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services is on site in Miami offering counseling and support to both families who are affected by the Surfside building collapse and the first responders who have been tirelessly working on rescue and recovery.

Dr. Norman Blumenthal, who oversees Ohel’s Zachter Center for Family Trauma and Crisis Intervention, arrived in Florida with a team of trained specialists to aid those experiencing a state of uncertainty as recovery efforts continue. The team has extensive training and expertise in trauma care stemming from their long experience helping communities cope with traumatic events, including the shooting at the kosher supermarket in Jersey City, New Jersey.

“We encourage individuals to ask for help during this difficult time, especially those who are already living with any mental health issue and experiencing increased symptoms from the event,” said Dr. Blumenthal.

Dr. Blumenthal and his team are working with families and their loved ones at a designated family center. To date, they have accompanied families to the building site and spent many hours together, which also included counseling sessions. The Ohel team has also led several briefing and counseling sessions for first responders.

“Despite the ongoing emotional turmoil, we are also witnessing tremendous communal goodwill and generosity with food, supplies and other provisions,” Dr. Blumenthal added. “Rescue workers, police and community leaders continue to work tirelessly as they remain both sensitive and accommodating to individuals looking for answers and comfort during this tragic time. Ohel will continue to provide support as long as our services are needed.”

Should you or someone you know need help coping with this tragedy, please contact Ohel at [email protected].

To help Ohel continue their essential services, donate at www.ohelfamily.org/donate.