The Santa Rosa County Long Term Recovery Organization (LTRO), a monthly forum of officials, church leaders and non-profit groups created in response to Hurricane Ivan, pools community resources and raises awareness of local programs such as Project Recovery, Gulf Breeze News reported on July 6.

The program, run by Community Drug and Alcohol Council (CDAC) Inc., offers free counseling to children, teens and adults in Santa Rosa, Escambia, Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

'We want to help people with stress related problems cope with storms,' said CDAC Executive Director Gail Honea. 'We can help people with a whole gamut of problems, everything from severe depression to substance abuse.'

Originally designed to benefit victims of Hurricane Ivan, Project Recovery now accommodates those affected by Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina as well. Honea is optimistic that the program's contract will be renewed after its expiration in December.

For more information on Project Recovery, call (850) 434-2724 or visit www.cdac.info.