We’ve sent a lot of criticism BP’s way during the past four months of the oil spill, so it’s only fair to give notice when they do the right thing. After weeks of experts calling attention to the potential problems—and states like Louisiana asking for fund—BP announced that it would provide $52 million for behavioral health programs across the affected Gulf states. Here’s the breakdown:
Those funds are badly needed—as I reported recently in the magazine, the spill is expected to major toll on the mental health of Gulf residents, as they grapple with an economically and environmentally uncertain future. And since spill compensation czar Kenneth Feinberg—who officially takes over the claims process soon—has made it clear that he won’t honor claims of mental health damage from the spill. Given how overburdened these states already are—especially in Louisiana, still grappling with the mental health toll of Hurricane Katrina—this money couldn’t come at a better time.