Working with COVID-19 patients who die takes a toll on caregivers, so Maryland is making a concerted effort to offer mental health support to staff in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
鈥淲e鈥檙e providing lots of different types of assistance,鈥� said Dr. Aliya Jones, deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Health鈥檚 Behavioral Health Administration.
The is being offered to people working in 122 facilities in operation throughout the state.
鈥淲e want to make sure that people who are in dire, emotional straights know that there is help available and reach out for help rather than succumbing to feelings of desperation,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淲e want to prevent any potential suicides, loss of life, because of emotional distress during this time.鈥�
Some of what is available includes webinars on grief, loss and resilience; support groups provided in a telehealth format; and individual emotional support.
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking to do some other things, as well to broaden the net through some other initiatives,鈥� Jones said.
And you, too, can help by making smart choices to avoid becoming the next person to catch or spread COVID-19 to someone who will need care.
鈥淪upport those who can鈥檛 get out of the way and who have to, and who have chosen to, operate in the vocation of caretaking,鈥� Jones advised.
People with non-urgent requests for help . If you have an urgent request, you can contact the program at 1-800-648-3001.
If you鈥檙e experiencing a more immediate crisis, Maryland’s Helpline is available 24/7 to provide support, guidance, and assistance , by calling 211 and selecting option 1, by texting your Zip code to 898-211 or by visiting .
The is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255); or you can text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). People who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.
If you鈥檙e concerned about a friend鈥檚 social media updates, the
recommends you either contact the social media outlet directly or call 911 in an emergency.
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