PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
September 12, 2001
Glen Cove, New York

Contact: Chris Morris, Public Relations Consultant
(516) 365-8455 • cmorris37@optonline.net 		«Back»  print this page«Print»

InterAgency Council Offers Resources for Post Disaster Counseling

InterAgency Council’s first meeting after the summer recess met the day after the horrific tragedy of the World Trade Center. It was not business as usual, as members expressed disbelief at the enormity of the terrorist act. Dr. Vogrin, president of IAC, invited members to shared the experiences they had encountered in the aftermath. All members extended appreciation and gratitude to the exemplary efforts of the Mayor’s office for mobilizing transportation for those individuals who were arriving via the ferry from the downtown area. Many who were not from the Glen Cove area, but from other areas of Long Island, utilized the ferry service as an escape route from downtown, New York City.

It was reported that the Glen Cove’s emergency team, firehouse, and bus service was well organized to meet the needs of the many traumatized passengers, including providing phone service, food and beverages as well as a welcoming committee to attend to their needs at City Hall. Rita Auciello, executive director for Glen Cove Senior Citizens, reported that the Glen Cove Senior Center’s buses shuttle passengers from the ferry to City Hall and beyond well into the night. La Fuerza Unida’s representative reported that they were cooperating with a local blood drive, and the Reverend Betsy Simpson of the First Presbyterian Church touched on the importance of addressing the emotional needs of the city’s youth to avoid violence or back-lash repercussions. In addition, she announced plans for the ecumenical service that took place on Thursday, September 13, at the Wunsch Center. Dr. Vogrin executive director of the Melillo Center and president of IAC, reported that Melillo Center had counselors on hand at City Hall to provide assistance.

Dr. Daniel Vogrin, praised the efforts of the city and asked what can IAC do, as a council, to help the citizenry of Glen Cove to cope with this extraordinary catastrophe. One of the actions taken was to insert a Public Service Announcement to appear in the local papers offering free walk-in “Post Disaster Counseling” and referral to all agencies offering such services. IAC’s services involves collaboration among the member organizations with the ultimate goal of linking individual’s needs with the appropriate services. Dr. Vogrin was also asked by the City to provide counselors to respond to the emotional repercussions of the tragedy.

The IAC with 48 member agencies was established in 1971. The primary mission is to enhance the delivery of human services through collaboration and communication, and to provide mutual support among community agencies through sharing and networking. Member agencies are encouraged to have a representative attend the monthly meetings. The next meeting planned is for October 10, 2001, at 9 a.m. hosted by the Glen Cove School District.

Photo (l to r) are: Dr. Daniel Vogrin, president of IAC, with the Reverend Betsy Simpson, pastor of First Presbyterian Church and Arlene O’Dell, executive director of The Center for Parents and Children as well as treasurer for IAC.