An Investment in New Services

An investment in new services

We’ve often been critical of the Bush administration’s response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but we applaud the efforts of national authorities to help Louisianians cope with the staggering emotional burdens of so many of our people.

The federal government has allocated $141 million to serve evacuees scattered among at least two dozen states, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Another grant to the state to help with its costs in this area is under discussion at the level of about $70 million, according to The Los Angeles Times.

That is good news. Too many lives have been severely disrupted, and – in part because of the administration’s failure to back a comprehensive recovery program – there remains too much uncertainty about the future. Counseling and other services are vital to helping some people back on their feet.