Caring for Kids During the COVID PandemicChildren all across America are experiencing loss, fear and confusion during the COVID-19 crisis. Their school year has been disrupted, they have had to adjust to online schooling, many cannot join in extra-curricular activities and they miss their friends.
The Mental Health Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County (MHARS) has developed a free Family Toolkit for parents, caregivers and educators to help children cope with the pandemic. It covers such topics as Basic Needs (top 10 tips for parents, age-related reactions to trauma, area food distributions), Parents/Caregivers (grief and loss, substance abuse), Early Childhood (coping and learning, relaxation activities) and specific age groups – middle school, high school and college. All you have to do is click here for the Tool Kit, and you will have a world of help and hope at your fingertips. 
Mental Health and Addiction Problems
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Toll-Free "COVID Careline":
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) launched a new, toll-free Careline to provide emotional support for Ohioans who are experiencing stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohioans may call 1-800-720-9616 to connect with trained counselors for 24/7 support. Read more. |
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Confidential Mental Health Screening:
One in five people will experience a mental illness during his or her lifetime, but there are practical tools to improve their mental health and there are ways to be supportive of friends, family and co-workers who are struggling with challenges or mental health. Read more. Then, take the confidential mental health quiz: https://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/lorain |
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"Strive for 5 Challenge":
Governor Dewine and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Criss issued a challenge to Ohioans: find five people in your life to check in with every day for 30 days. The Strive for Five Challenge helps us all feel connected, and can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness as we navigate the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more. |
Book Corner
These books open up pathways to
self improvement.
self improvement.
Richard Lui, “Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness”
Award-winning news anchor Richard Lui set aside his career when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He wrote a book about his discovery on how selflessness, both big and small acts, can make a difference to others and oneself. While the focus of the book is on Alzheimer’s, it couldn’t be more timely for families who are impacted by COVID.
Award-winning news anchor Richard Lui set aside his career when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He wrote a book about his discovery on how selflessness, both big and small acts, can make a difference to others and oneself. While the focus of the book is on Alzheimer’s, it couldn’t be more timely for families who are impacted by COVID.
Michael Moss, “Hooked: Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions”
Moss is the best-selling author of “Salt Sugar Fat.” In his new book, he explores how the food industry exploits our emotional ties and addictions to food, and how it outmaneuvers the legal system to pursue profits over public health.
Moss is the best-selling author of “Salt Sugar Fat.” In his new book, he explores how the food industry exploits our emotional ties and addictions to food, and how it outmaneuvers the legal system to pursue profits over public health.
THRIVE! Southern Lorain County is one of 10 Community Collaboratives powered by United Way of Greater Lorain County that are working to improve the health, education, and financial stability of all residents in our communities.