Pamphlets of services offered at Medicine Hat Family Service (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Gates Guarin

three free sessions

Free counselling sessions offered to storm victims

Jul 25, 2022 | 4:57 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – With community members along Highway 523 still reeling after last week’s summer storm, Cypress County has partnered with a local counselling agency to assist those who may still be dealing with the loss from the storm.

The county has paired up with Medicine Hat Family Service in order to help individuals and families devastated by the storm. The local counselling service is offering three free sessions to victims who may not have anyone else to turn to, after which sessions are offered on a sliding scale.

Lindsay Heier, director of administration and finance, says the partnership was created in order to show those still dealing with the storm they have an immediate resource should they begin to experience grief.

READ MORE: County extends storm response

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Heier says he understands if people do not want to take part in counselling services, but the resource will always be available to the community.

“Sometimes people feel a bit challenged, they haven’t seen a counsellor before, there hasn’t maybe been a need, but you know, when devastation hits, we don’t know how it’s going to impact our lives and sometimes they just have that sense or that feeling of just being overwhelmed,” Heier says. “That’s a good indication that, hey you know what? Maybe you need somebody to talk to.”

Heier says the best way to reach out and get more information is to visit the Medicine Hat Family Service website or by calling 403-504-8026.