The Hong Kong Social Welfare Department (SWD) allocated 620,000 HK dollars (80,083 U.S. dollars) for two non-governmental organizations to run designated hotlines to provide emotional support service for people who come under distress amid recent concerns over the A/H1N1 influenza.

The Family Crisis Support Center (FCSC) operated by Caritas- Hong Kong and the CEASE Crisis Center by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals were funded to set up the 24-hour Human Swine Influenza Emotional Support Hotlines.

The hotlines began operations at 4 p.m. Monday, initially for a period of six months.

"The enhanced service is provided in response to the recent global outbreak of human swine influenza and the first confirmed case of the disease in Hong Kong which may have caused anxiety and emotional distress to some members of the public," a spokesman for the department said.

"Some people may feel anxious, insecure and even have excessive fear of contracting the disease, especially those with relatives or friends who are being quarantined. Others may also have great worry on the possible adverse impact on the social and economic conditions that the flu will bring to Hong Kong," he said.

"Individuals or families who may have experienced stress and emotional problems as a result of the flu are welcome to call the hotlines for counseling, support and assistance," the spokesman added.

The hotlines will be manned by registered social workers around the clock. In addition, social workers will provide face-to-face counseling to help individuals and families with emotional problems by strengthening their skills in coping with stress and working out positive ways to face their situation.

(Xinhua News Agency May 4, 2009)