BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Thousands of people in Benton County are going through more than they ever imagined after deadly tornadoes struck the community on Sunday, May 26.
The tornadoes left behind overwhelming damage, including destroyed homes, days-long power outages, countless debris, and closed schools and businesses, to name a few.
The nonprofit organization National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Arkansas is offering help to those impacted by this tragedy. NAMI's mission is to help those in need through emotional support, resources, and education.
The Executive Director of NAMI Arkansas, Buster Lackey, reminds the public not to make rushed decisions. Lackey said he's seen people in these situations make desperate decisions, such as moving to another state, and then regret them.
He also emphasizes that it's important to keep your routines established for you and your family.
"If they walk every day, walk every day. If they go to the gym and their gym's been affected, other gyms will let you in with your membership at their locations. Keep the things for the kids in routine. It's hard, I understand. School let [them] out early [and] they didn't get to have their normal goodbye. So let them see their friends if that's what it is," suggested Lackey.
You can call NAMI Arkansas to talk to a licensed therapist, and they can even connect you to financial help if needed.
For help during this crisis, you can call NAMI at 1-800-844-0381. Its helpline is available 24/7.
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