PROVIDENCE - Rhode Island is using $495,000 in federal funding for
mental health and substance abuse services for those affected by The
Station nightclub fire, which killed 100 people and injured about 200
others.
The money is being used to fund a new program called The Stations of
Support Initiative, a plan set up by the state Department of Mental
Health Retardation and Hospitals. The initiative brings together mental
health and substance abuse agencies to focus on the emotional needs of
fire survivors and other community members affected by the worst blaze
in Rhode Island's history.
The program will also provide a series of training sessions to help
local health workers, clergy and others prepare for the needs of fire
victims.
"As available resources diminish, The Stations of Support Initiative
will become an important and lasting source of help for survivors,
family members, first responders and others who may be suffering,"
Carcieri said in a statement. "With the first anniversary of this
tragedy just a month away, it's especially important that anyone who
needs assistance steps forward to take advantage of this program."
Several of the initiative's services, along with helpful advice and
contact information, are described on a new Web site accompanying the
program, called:
http://www.stationsofsupport.org
The Feb. 20 fire at The Station in West Warwick started when a band's
pyrotechnic display set fire to flammable foam placed around the stage
as soundproofing.
