[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 252 (Tuesday, December 31, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 69096]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-33126]


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FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY


Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: FEMA gives notice that the extension period for the Oklahoma 
regular crisis counseling program for disaster survivors of the 
Oklahoma City bombing is extended from 180 days to 11 months. The 
severity of the emotional trauma resulting from the bombing warrants an 
extension of an additional 11 months.

EFFECTIVE DATE: February 1, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Goins, Human Services Division, 
Response and Recovery Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646-4677.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Emergency Management Agency 
(FEMA) is charged with coordinating Federal disaster assistance under 
the provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (the Act) when the President has declared a major 
disaster. FEMA provided funding for a regular crisis counseling program 
to help those suffering the trauma resulting from the April 19, 1995, 
bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
    FEMA received a request from the State of Oklahoma to extend the 
otherwise applicable time limitations authorized by section 416 of the 
Act, so that the State can provide additional mental health services 
that are critically needed for citizens during the recovery operation. 
The extent of the emotional impact on all citizens of Oklahoma is of 
such magnitude that continuation of disaster mental health counseling 
beyond the normal crisis counseling time period is necessary.
    The Director, Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), as the 
delegate to FEMA for the Secretary, Department of Health and Human 
Services, helps FEMA implement crisis counseling training and 
assistance. FEMA believes there was a well-established need for 
continuation of the regular crisis counseling program beyond a 90-day 
extension. Based upon the sound CMHS recommendation, FEMA has approved 
an 11-month extension to the time period for the Oklahoma regular 
crisis counseling program.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 83.516, Disaster 
Assistance.)

    Dated: December 16, 1996.
Lacy Suiter,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 96-33126 Filed 12-30-96; 8:45 am]
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