Volunteers: Local Doctor Helps Victims Deal With Loss

As a volunteer with the Long Island Red Cross, Dr. Thomas Hlenski has provided mental health support to victims and responders to natural disasters since 2005. 

Hlenski's journey began in 1996 as a spontaneous volunteer for New York's tragic TWA flight 800 crash where he was assigned to provide support to the families of victims. 

“I found it interesting and I like the people that I met and that has been one of the best decisions I’ve made,” said Hlenski, of Huntington.

It wasn't long afterward when he signed on as a full-time Red Cross volunteer to provide preventative mental health to victims of natural disasters and Red Cross responders assigned to help.

From his first deployment about 10 years ago which lasted two weeks in Florida, to other stints including response to Hurricane Wilma, a recent Chinatown bus accident, Hurricane Irene and even aid to runners participating in the New York City Marathon, Hlenski is well traveled.

A dedicated and talented professional, Hlenski is a valuable addition to the Red Cross, according to colleagues.

"I was thoroughly impressed with his dedication, his compassion and his tremendous skill level in providing comfort to people who are suffering at the deepest level,” said Diane Ryan, Director of Mental Health for the Greater New York Region of the Red Cross.

Since 1975, the Huntington-based mental health professional has specialized in family work. Hlenski said his Red Cross work is different than his private practice. 

“When you meet people in variety of situations it brings you more of an awareness of the human condition and the kind of situations people live under and have to live through,” Hlenski said.

Most rewarding is the ability to connect with people under difficult circumstances and help them deal with their loss in that moment in time, Hlenski said regarding his volunteer work.

But some aspects of the job are difficult.

“Leaving home and seeing things you’re not accustomed to — you see pain and suffering and you’re not accustomed to that and that is the hardest thing,” Hlenski said.

He doesn't plan to end his Red Cross work any time soon.

“I see myself retiring to the and staying with them as long as they keep me.”