While firefighters are gaining ground on containing the McKinley Fire near Talkeetna, Alaska, there is also a large number of people working with those displaced by the fires. The logistics of providing food, shelter and emotional support for those in need is perhaps as dynamic as fighting the flames. The Sunshine Community Health Center in Willow and Talkeetna have services to assist those needing to talk to a professional counselor.
KTNA’s Katie Writer spoke with Health Manager, Sarah Blanning of the Sunshine Community Health Center of Willow about counseling services available in the Upper Susitna Valley as well as Lou Anne Carroll-Tysdal of the Food Pantry.
LouAnne Carroll-Tysdal of the Food Pantry near Sunshine has been working closely with the community in receiving and distributing both food, clothes, and supplies to those in need.
The Sunshine Community Health Center in Willow and Talkeetna have services to assist those needing to talk to a professional counselor on how to cope with not only emotional trauma from recent wildfires, but also to help them connect with services that are available.
There is professional counseling services arranged thru the Sunshine Health Center located at Su Valley Middle/High School, Talkeetna Elementary School as well as in the works at Willow Elementary School.
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For those who wish to speak to behavioral health professionals, the number for the Talkeetna clinic location is 733-2273, and the Willow location can be reached at 491-4100.
