Leal Travels to Central Texas to Support Those Affected by Recent Floods

Julio C. “J.C.” Leal, MSW, a social worker with UTHealth Houston, recently went to the Central Texas area that was devastated by the July flood to provide services for those struggling with the traumatic event.

Leal works in the UTHealth Houston Homeless Outpatient Mental Health Expansion Services (UTHealth Houston HOMES) project at the Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. The goal of the program is to provide assistance for people experiencing homelessness who have serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders.

Leal spent a week in Kerrville and the other surrounding areas affected by the deadly, unprecedented flood. The need was urgent, so after agreeing to go on a Friday, he arrived the next Monday. He met and received briefings from representatives with Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers, who had been on site since the flood. Leal and his teammates went to work immediately.

Group counseling sessions were provided for staff on how trauma can affect the body. Tips were given to help staff members take care of themselves and make sure they were in a good mental state while providing services to affected people in the communities. Leal said things like stress and overall shock can affect those trying to help. He provided staff members with a safe space to talk and process through their feelings.

In addition to helping staff members, Leal and his teammates were able to work with individuals who were dealing with the tragedy. He provided counseling to the Hispanic community in Spanish. Emotional support groups were available for any members of the community in need.

The team was also able to speak with people from other organizations present, such as the Salvation Army and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and let them know about the services group members were providing.  Leal said things like filling out paperwork can take a toll on an individual’s state of mind and add to an already stressful situation.

While he was there, Leal noted that people in the communities he visited were still numb and in shock about the events that had taken place. He understands how important the services that UTHealth Houston and others are providing can help the recovery process.

“At first, I wondered exactly how I was going to fit into this system,” Leal said. “When I was listening to the families, the staff, everyone had a story to tell. It was a privilege for me to provide a space for them to process their hurt, pain, anger, and trauma.”