Dr. Regina Benjamin in Bayou La Batre

BAYOU LA BATRE, Alabama (WALA) - U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin is in Bayou La Batre, to discuss with community residents, workers and responders, as well as local officials, the mental health and public health aspects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

This is Dr. Benjamin's first trip back to Bayou La Batre since taking over as surgeon general .

A room full of people have gathered to hear Dr. Benjamin speak and ask her questions.

"I am here to talk about what you feel and what is going on with the oil spill. This oil spill is probably one of the most devastating things we have ever dealt with. We've dealt with Frederic, Katrina and now this oil spill," said Dr. Benjamin.

A variety of health care professionals are among the crowd, including local and state leaders.

One health care professional mentioned the increase of drug abuse due to the oil spill.

"Many people who are affected by the kinds of things you are dealing with right now, will have lots of issues about emotional health," Pam Hyde, the Administrator for Substance Abuse Mental Health Systems Administration, or SAMHSA , said.

Mental health professionals are working with all five states in the Gulf region since the spill began, trying to address the needs of local communities with mental health.

"We know form other disasters, there are some people who are naturally resilient, but some will need support. They will have adverse reactions to the stress. We want to make sure those individuals can get to the professional help they need," said Hyde.

Hyde explained some people may experience sadness, anger, and crying over the oil spill.

"We really want people to reach out and seek help and know how to do that," added Hyde.

A woman representing the Boat People S.O.S. spoke to Dr. Benjamin about the problems facing the southeast Asians living in southern Mobile County.

"The major largest difficult thing is there are no therapist who speak the language," said the representative. "We don't want to be poster child for domestic violence. We need help to find people who speak different languages."

Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson, Jr. also attended the meeting. Tyson spoke about how his office can help identify people who need help.

"I came here today because there is an overlap between my work and your work. When you start talking about stress, it pops out as health issues, and it also pops out as crime issues. Whatever those troubles are it will spill over into the schools," said Tyson. "We think we can identify and get for you, actual numbers of the people who are affected by this disaster."

Dr. Benjamin believes a coordinator effort is what is needed to help the people of southern Mobile County, was well as making sure local, state and federal officials work together on a common goal.

"It takes time to get grants done, what are things are can do now. I am certainly looking forward to bringing those groups together. I think the federal government has a lot to learn from what you do here," said Dr. Benjamin.