Maryland Mental Health Support Provided to Frontline Workers by COVID-19 El Tiempo Latino

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RELEASE: The @MDHealthDept is supporting frontline workers during the # COVID19 outbreak by sharing mental health resources, joining forces with experts throughout the state, offering discussion groups for providers, and providing virtual training and recovery resources.

– Maryland Department of Health (@MDHealthDept) May 12, 2020

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The mental health and substance use helpline has seen an increase in calls. Data collected by the MDH Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) shows that calls to “211, Press 1” increased from 1,619 in February to 2,345 in March.

Read also: The DMV accumulates more than 65 thousand cases of COVID-19

BHA administrators have been urging residents, especially front-line residents, to seek help before reaching a tipping point. The Administration has created extensive resources to help health workers and the general public access mental health support, which includes:

-New public service announcements aimed at people in situations of extreme stress.

-Virtual recovery and wellness resources.

-Guidance for suicide prevention.

-Frequently asked questions about mental health for health workers, parents and other audiences.

-Weekly discussion groups and webinars for mental health providers.

“It is vital that we be proactive in addressing mental health concerns,” said Dr. Aliya Jones, BHA’s undersecretary. He stressed that the nature of the pandemic could leave a long-term impact, so you should not let your guard down when controlling the situation.

Read also: Northam confirms that Northern Virginia could be excluded from initial reopening

“Disasters are known to be followed by increases in PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, substance use, suicidal thoughts and attempts, domestic violence, and child abuse. However, that does not have to be the case. We can minimize increases in these after effects by taking advantage of the emotional support and treatment resources available, ”Jones said.

The BHA created a telehealth resource guide and an interactive telehealth map to help new patients access care. The map includes known behavioral health providers who now offer services statewide.

Those interested in collaborating, sharing resources or ideas can send an email to [email protected] .

For specific COVID-19 guidance for behavioral health professionals, visit bha.health.maryland.gov/Pages/ bha-covid-19.aspx.

More information here.

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