JACKSON, Miss. — Officials in Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and Alabama have asked BP PLC for millions of dollars to pay for mental health outreach and service programs related to the oil spill disaster.
BP spokesman Richard Judy had no immediate response to questions about the money sought by the state agencies, saying only that BP hopes to make an announcement soon about its plan. Judy said the company is developing a comprehensive plan on community outreach and nonprofit support across the Gulf Coast.
Scott Sumrall, disaster response coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, said his agency is trying to be proactive.
Mississippi asked BP for $10 million this week to create a grant fund that can be tapped by public and private clinics that are beginning to see a slight increase in patients complaining of anxiety, anger and depression. The agency said another $10 million could be sought later, depending on need.
Alabama seeks $5.7 million immediately
Alabama’s mental health agency submitted a proposal Thursday to BP seeking an immediate $5.7 million that would go toward a centralized call center to help people dealing with stress and other symptoms navigate the system to care. Alabama also asked for $20 million each year for up to the next five years.
“We’re basing it on what we’re seeing out in the field. We’re sending counselors and representatives out to the marinas and boat docks, where there are large clusters of people with high levels of frustration,” said John Ziegler, a spokesman for the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
The oil spill disaster is now more than two months old and its impact has taken an emotional toll on residents who have lost jobs in the fishing, hospitality and tourism industries, officials said.
Lester Mallette, a longtime shrimper living in Gulfport, said he visited with a psychologist on Friday to help grapple with the fact that his former way of earning a livelihood has come to an end.
“I’ve been shrimping since I was 12. It’s like all I know. I raised seven kids on the gulf. Things that have always been there, that ain’t going to be there anymore,” Mallette said. “You’ve got to learn something new all over and when you’re 55, there ain’t nothing new.”
Louisiana was still waiting to hear from BP on Friday after twice asking for $10 million to cover six months of outreach and services.