Disaster Mental Advisor helps fire victims

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As it is an emotional time in Carolina Beach, many are dealing with loss of loved ones as well as cooping with the tragic situation.

Tab Ballis is a psychiatrist in Wilmington who also is a volunteer with the Red Cross.

Ballis sees people from all over the Eastern North Carolina as their Disaster Mental Health Advisor.

House fires are the number one disaster he deals with here in the region.. .

He says the Carolina Beach fires is more difficult because it wasn’t natural disaster.

“This is not a normal disaster responds. It’s much more emotional for people. I think it takes people longer to make sense of it,” Ballis said.

He has seen more than 30 people related to the Carolina Beach fires.

If you or someone you know would like to contact Tab Ballis, you can reach him at (910) 251-2106